What we learned from day four of Royal Ascot

Alcohol Free is as good at three as she was at two

Anyone tempted to write last year's Cheveley Park Stakes winner off as a top-class prospect for 2021 got an expensive lesson on Friday.

True, she had never really looked like winning when she was sent off favourite for the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket in May and finished only fifth, but she had won the Fred Darling on her reappearance at Newbury and Jeff Smith's filly confirmed she is a three-year-old to be reckoned with by doubling her Group 1 tally in the Coronation Stakes at Ascot, bounding to a length-and-a-half win in a smart field.

Andrew Balding has a strong team of two-year-olds – who do not need bags of experience

The trainer made the perfect start to the meeting when landing the Coventry Stakes with Berkshire Shadow on the opening day.

And he doubled his tally of juvenile prizes when Sandrine collected the Albany Stakes two days later.

That pair both headed straight to Royal Ascot on the back of a debut success and defied lack of experience to prevail.

That augurs well for Saturday when their stablemate Masekela steps up from a first-time-out triumph at Goodwood to go for the Chesham.

Chesham Stakes card and betting

Sandrine (David Probert) is another juvenile winner for Andrew BaldingCredit: Harry Trump

Lone Eagle could be one to look out for in the Irish Derby next Saturday

How good a race was the bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown? The winner Alenquer underlined the strength of the form when following up in the King Edward VII Stakes at Ascot on Friday.

Runner-up Adayar had hinted strongly that it was an above-average running by going on to land the Derby itself, while fourth-placed Lone Eagle was also a winner at Goodwood next time out.

Lone Eagle had to miss Epsom and Ascot, to the obvious disappointment of Martyn Meade. But his trainer hopes that he may be able to head to the Curragh next weekend and his colt is not one to take lightly.

Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby card and betting

Alenquer underlines the strength of the Sandown Classic Trial form with victory in the King Edward VII StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Never underestimate how racing can beat the weather

More than an inch of rain fell overnight and into the morning, and a Betfair market had racing odds-on to be called off before a 12.45pm inspection. But everybody was keen to avoid an an abandonment, and moving rails and the stalls dodged the wettest places.

The meeting went ahead, and though there were numerous non-runners and some other horses failed to show their form, there was still plenty of top-class action for punters to enjoy on and off course.

All the news on Friday at Royal Ascot:

Sandrine comes home strongest to land Albany for Balding and Probert

Alenquer gives boost to Adayar with fluent win for Marquand and Haggas

'Oisin's horse drifted about eight lanes' – Commonwealth Cup result reversed

Did the stewards get it right in the Commonwealth Cup? Experts have their say

'No place for tears' – Alcohol Free gives Oisin Murphy Group 1 redemption

Murtagh enjoys first Royal Ascot win with brilliant Create Belief

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