Stressfree Victory Proves Enjoyable For O ´ Meara.
Stressfree set up a trip 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 just had three victories to his name on the Flat before this, which does not show the level of his ability, and wanted to have a mountain to climb up as Kildare Legend kicked clear off the front.
But Danny Tudhope timed it to perfection 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 extremely constant. He's got a great deal of capability, but he's frequently the bridesmaid. We sent him hurdling through the winter season, more to strengthen him up than anything.
"He was given an outstanding trip. I'm never ever positive with him as he's frequently come out second best, however to be fair he not did anything incorrect today.
"He could opt for the mile-and-a-half handicap at Ascot and perhaps the Ebor later on, why not, he may remain that far, he keeps a little bit back."
Stressfree got up late under Danny Tudhope (Martin Rickett/PA)
The big summer masterpiece could likewise be on the cards for Mick Appleby's Kodi Lion (5-1) following a clear-cut 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 journey should he go following a over 6 furlongs, but he does have form over 7.
"It's quite psychological, my papa died 4 years ago today so he's definitely looking down," said Liz Cash, who owns the horse together with her mother.
"If he goes up enough in the weights we'll 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) prevailed in the Betfred "Join Our Sports Club" Fillies' Handicap.
