Stressfree Victory Proves Enjoyable For O ´ Meara.
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 show the level of his ability, and aimed to have a mountain to climb up 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 stated: "He wasn't triumphing of turn, he's been really constant. He's got a lot of ability, but he's frequently the bridesmaid. We sent him hurdling through the winter season, more to toughen him up than anything.
"He was offered an outstanding trip. I'm never positive with him as he's typically come out second best, however to be fair he did nothing wrong today.
"He could go for the mile-and-a-half handicap at Ascot and possibly the Ebor later, why not, he might remain that far, he keeps a little bit back."
Stressfree got up late under Danny Tudhope (Martin Rickett/PA)
The big summer season showpiece might 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 need to step up in journey should he go following a length win over six furlongs, but he does have form over 7.
"It's rather psychological, my daddy passed away four years ago today so he's absolutely looking down," stated Liz Cash, who owns the horse together with her mom.
"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 just his 2nd winner of the year when Organ (9-1) dominated in the Betfred "Join Our Sports Club" Fillies' Handicap.