Stressfree Victory Proves Enjoyable For O ´ Meara.
Stressfree set up a trip 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 just had three victories to his name on the Flat before this, which does not reflect 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 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 consistent. He's got a great deal of capability, but he's often the bridesmaid. We sent him hurdling through the winter season, more to strengthen him up than anything.
"He was provided an outstanding trip. I'm never confident with him as he's frequently come out second best, however to be fair he did absolutely nothing wrong today.
"He could opt for the mile-and-a-half handicap at Ascot and potentially the Ebor later, why not, he may stay that far, he keeps a little bit back."
Stressfree got up late under Danny Tudhope (Martin Rickett/PA)
The big summertime showpiece 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 yard for 90,000 guineas, he will require to step up in journey needs to he go following a length win over six furlongs, but he does have type over 7.
"It's rather emotional, my father passed away 4 years ago today so he's certainly looking down," stated Liz Cash, who owns the horse together with her mom.
"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 simply his second winner of the year when Organ (9-1) dominated in the Betfred "Join Our Sports Club" Fillies' Handicap.