MALTON trainer Richard Fahey has a genuine Classic contender on his hands after Sandiva showed her class in the Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket this afternoon.

Frankie Dettori rode a confident race on the three-year-old filly - positioning her in midfield before bursting clear and keeping Euro Charline and Majeyda at bay.

The Albany Stakes runner-up's next destination is now likely to be back at headquarters in May and a date in the 1,000 Guineas.

Dettori performed a flying dismount in the winner's enclosure after the half-a-length win and Sandiva shaped as though the extra furlong in the Guineas, staged over a mile, would suit.

Dettori said: "Where she was drawn was a one or two-length disadvantage and there was no cover, so it was a good performance.

"She is entitled to go to the Guineas with a good chance."

Fahey, who also won the Nell Gwyn with Barefoot Lady three years ago, said: "Frankie is sure she will stay a mile and he spent half the race trying to switch her off and get her in."

Despite the cosy nature of her win, though, bookmakers did not rush to cut her price in the aftermath.

Sandiva was still available at 25-1 for the 1,000 Guineas, behind leading contenders such as the 7-2 favourite Rizeena and Tapestry at 6-1.

Fahey also ran Parbold in the Listed Free Handicap but the colt, who held the lead at the two furlong marker in the trial for the 2,000 Guineas, could only finish fifth of the six runners.