Confidence is rewarded as Godolphin seals its greatest weekend and the Bell family lands a proper gamble

They knew she would win. That was certainly the impression given before the race and then again afterwards. For any victory to be a fait accompli on such an important day is quite remarkable, yet that's how it felt with Spicy Marg. They definitely fancied Desert Flower, too.

Success for the red-hot favourite in the Betfred 1,000 Guineas completed a jaw-droppingly wonderful weekend for Godolphin, whose silks had been carried to glory in the Kentucky Oaks and then Derby either side of Ruling Court's triumph in the 2,000 Guineas. Classic trebles are extraordinary. To complete a Classic quadruple in less than 42 hours really ought to be the stuff of fiction.

Speaking after two of the four were safely in the bag, Charlie Appleby had been unable, and indeed unwilling, to hide his belief that Desert Flower would soon become a first 1,000 Guineas winner for himself and William Buick. "To be brutally honest, I think she's pretty bulletproof," he said, oozing positivity. When Martin Pipe strongly fancied a horse, he would inform the owner that the animal had "already won". Appleby was not quite so obviously adamant of what was to come, but not far off – which brings us nicely to Spicy Marg.