IT was all change in terms of track conditions on Friday as heavy rain saw the ground change from good to firm to heavy before racing while it deteriorated further throughout making it difficult to draw firm conclusions.

However, the performance that stood out needs no comparison as Alcohol Free (115) added the Group 1 Coronation Stakes to her winning record in the hands of Oisin Murphy, who was on his way becoming leading jockey at the meeting.

Having narrowly won the Fred Darling at Newbury, Andrew Balding’s filly was disadvantaged by the draw and the run of the race in the 1,000 Guineas as her tendency to hang when without cover proved more of her undoing than the extra distance.

On this occasion the draw was kind, allowing the champion jockey to find the daughter of No Nay Never the necessary cover that contributed to the improved level of performance that turned around the form with her Newmarket-conqueror Mother Earth (111).

The overall race time was by far the fastest of the round track races on the day and, with that superiority in mind, the closing sectional of 38.15 seconds matched the achievement.

Snow Lantern (38.13 seconds), who pulled too hard early, and Mother Earth (38.05 seconds) also ran with distinction but there was an ease with which the winner won that gave the impression she could have run faster.

As Alcohol Free has now proved beyond doubt that the mile trip is within her compass and herself herself versatile ground wise, future Group 1 success is surely assured, so long as circumstances allow her pilot to attain the cover that is essential.

Snow Lantern (112) looks a candidate for moving up in distance and should capture a group race before the season concludes, she too is flexible where ground is concerned.