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 only had three triumphes to his name on the Flat before this, which does not reflect 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 extremely consistent. He's got a great deal of capability, however he's typically the bridesmaid. We sent him hurdling through the winter season, more to strengthen him up than anything.
"He was offered an outstanding trip. I'm never ever confident with him as he's often come out second best, but to be reasonable he did nothing incorrect today.
"He might choose the mile-and-a-half handicap at Ascot and potentially the Ebor later on, why not, he may stay that far, he keeps a little bit back."
Stressfree got up late under Danny Tudhope (Martin Rickett/PA)
The huge summer season showpiece might 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 .
Bought out of Ed Walker's lawn 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 kind over 7.
"It's rather psychological, my dad 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 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) dominated in the Betfred "Join Our Sports Club" Fillies' Handicap.