With her Newmarket success, Rolica appears headed for the 1000 Guineas

Jane Chapple-Hyam felt delighted when Rolica won at Newmarket, securing her spot in the Qipco 1000 Guineas.

The daughter of Lope De Vega, a 9-2 shot for the Rossdales Maiden Fillies Stakes, was a beaten favourite on her debut at Nottingham last autumn, but she showed improvement on her three-year-old bow, displaying a positive attitude that allowed Hollie Doyle to wear down the joint-favourite Vicario, who was ridden by Tom Marquand and was a 9-4 favourite.

“We got confidence from her galloping companion Mallavelly who was second yesterday in the mile maiden and thankfully she has done the job,” said Chapple-Hyam, who missed a double as Endless Victory defeated Salamanca in the 10-furlong novice, which could be especially instructive. “I think Mallavelly has shown she wants further, so if Mr Harris (Peter, owner) is happy I would like this filly to take her chance – she’s a Guineas filly. She was third at Nottingham on a very heavy track, but she’s wintered well and done everything right and I’m just thrilled to have this Lope De Vega.”

“She’s been great and a lot of fun and they’ve done a fantastic job with her to get her ready to go ‘bang’ on her first start of the year,” said Marquand. “She paid her way just fine last year and after a year like that there is always the question of if they will train on and do the same, but she’s started on the right path and hopefully she will keep on improving.”