Stressfree Victory Proves Enjoyable For O ´ Meara.
Stressfree established 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 just had three triumphes to his name on the Flat before this, which does not show the level of his ability, and sought 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 extremely consistent. He's got a lot of capability, but he's typically the bridesmaid. We sent him hurdling through the winter season, more to strengthen him up than anything.
"He was provided an outstanding ride. I'm never ever confident with him as he's frequently come out second best, however to be fair he did absolutely nothing wrong today.
"He might choose the mile-and-a-half handicap at Ascot and potentially the Ebor later, why not, he might stay that far, he keeps a bit back."
Stressfree got up late under Danny Tudhope (Martin Rickett/PA)
The big summer showpiece could also 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 yard for 90,000 guineas, he will require to step up in trip should he go following a length win over six furlongs, but he does have form over 7.
"It's quite emotional, my papa passed away four years ago today so he's absolutely looking down," stated Liz Cash, who owns the horse together with her mother.
"If he increases enough in the weights we'll look at the seven-furlong race (Buckingham Palace) at Ascot."
Ed Bethell's Oolong (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.