Stressfree Victory Proves Enjoyable For O ´ Meara.
Stressfree set up 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 reflect the level of his capability, and looked 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 very constant. He's got a great deal of ability, however he's frequently the bridesmaid. We sent him hurdling through the winter, more to toughen him up than anything.
"He was given an exceptional trip. I'm never confident with him as he's typically come out second best, however to be fair he did nothing incorrect today.
"He could go for the mile-and-a-half handicap at Ascot and possibly the Ebor later on, why not, he may stay that far, he keeps a bit back."
Stressfree got up late under Danny Tudhope (Martin Rickett/PA)
The big summer season masterpiece could likewise 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 backyard for 90,000 guineas, he will require to step up in trip needs to he go following a length win over six furlongs, however he does have type over 7.
"It's quite emotional, my dad died 4 years ago today so he's certainly looking down," stated Liz 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 "Join Our Sports Club" Fillies' Handicap, while Martyn Meade saddled just his second winner of the year when Organ (9-1) prevailed in the Betfred "Join Our Sports Club" Fillies' Handicap.