Stressfree Victory Proves Enjoyable For O ´ Meara.

Stressfree established a journey to Royal Ascot in finally getting his head in front in the Betfred "Play Fred's ₤ 5 Million" Handicap at Haydock.


David O'Meara's five-year-old only had three victories to his name on the Flat before this, which does not show the level of his ability, and looked to have a mountain to climb as Kildare Legend kicked clear off the front.


But Danny Tudhope timed it to excellence on the 11-2 shot to win by a neck and the Duke of Edinburgh Handicap now beckons.


O'Meara stated: "He wasn't winning out of turn, he's been very consistent. He's got a lot of capability, but he's typically the bridesmaid. We sent him hurdling through the winter season, more to toughen him up than anything.


"He was provided an outstanding ride. I'm never positive with him as he's typically come out second best, but to be fair he did nothing incorrect today.


"He might choose the mile-and-a-half handicap at Ascot and possibly the Ebor later, why not, he may stay that far, he keeps a bit back."


Stressfree got up late under Danny Tudhope (Martin Rickett/PA)


The huge summer season masterpiece could also be on the cards for Mick Appleby's Kodi Lion (5-1) following a well-defined win in the Betfred Supports Jack Berry House Reverence Handicap.


Bought out of Ed Walker's lawn for 90,000 guineas, he will require to step up in journey needs to he go following a length win over six furlongs, however he does have type over 7.


"It's rather emotional, my dad passed away 4 years ago today so he's certainly looking down," Cash, who owns the horse together with her mother.


"If he increases enough in the weights we'll take a look at the seven-furlong race (Buckingham Palace) at Ascot."


Ed Bethell's Oolong Poobong (4-1) was cheered home by a raucous crowd to win the Betfred "Join Our Sports Club" Fillies' Handicap, while Martyn Meade saddled simply his second winner of the year when Organ (9-1) dominated in the Betfred "Join Our Sports Club" Fillies' Handicap.