Stressfree Victory Proves Enjoyable For O ´ Meara.

Stressfree set up a journey to Royal Ascot in lastly 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 success to his name on the Flat before this, which does not show the level of his capability, and aimed 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 said: "He wasn't winning out of turn, he's been very consistent. He's got a lot of ability, but he's often the bridesmaid. We sent him hurdling through the winter, more to strengthen him up than anything.


"He was given an excellent ride. I'm never confident with him as he's often come out second best, however to be reasonable he not did anything incorrect today.


"He could go for the mile-and-a-half handicap at Ascot and potentially 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 big 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 need to step up in trip must he go following a length win over 6 furlongs, however he does have type over 7.


"It's rather emotional, my daddy died four years ago today so he's certainly looking down," said Liz Cash, who owns the horse together with her mother.


"If he goes up 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 just his 2nd winner of the year when Organ (9-1) prevailed in the Betfred "Join Our Sports Club" Fillies' Handicap.