CORONATION STAKES (GROUP 1)

WINTER ran out an easy winner of the Group 1 Coronation Stakes to complete a Group 1 treble, with the icing on the cake the performances of Roly Poly and Hydrangea in second and third. A whitewash like this leaves no room for argument and the simple truth is that the Ballydoyle fillies were way too good.

Winter, 4/9, was coming on here having won both the English and Irish 2000 Guineas. She lobbed along just off the pace yesterday as the surprise French Guineas winner Precieuse led, accompanied by Roly Poly.

At one stage she looked like giving Winter something to aim at but, in the end, she could not even shake off Roly Poly and dropped back beaten. Choosing his moment, Moore pushed the favourite forward and swept by to win comfortably with the others failing to land a blow.

As long as she does things as easily as this, there is no telling what heights the winner may scale.

“She travels so smoothly and she’s so professional,” the trainer said. “Ryan had her tucked away in a good position and she responded as soon as he asked her. It takes some doing to win both Guineas and come on here but she’s done it in style and credit goes to everyone at home.”

Moore thinks about every question posed, which some take to indicate a reluctance to go along with interviews but he is actually not like that at all.

“The point about her is that she does no more than she has to,” he said. “She takes it in her stride, very professional and very calm.”

Looking at the grey Galileo filly as she walked back in, it was hard to believe she’d had a race at all, so placid was she. It will be fascinating to see where she goes next and whether she takes on the colts. There may be no need to, given the strength at Ballydoyle.

As for the vanquished, Precieuse was very disappointing indeed, as was Dabyah, though she kept on steadily for fourth. The others were outclassed.