Quick question for seasoned Precrowners

[Snock]

I almost never attempt to pre crown, however on this Ultra attempt The Moldy dungeon was generated in an inaccessible location, and I don't have the resources to raid the gremlin cave for a climbing set. I figured I would pop in to the putrid dungeon to check for altars, and sure enough I found one.

This could potentially be much better than getting the Tome of donors, since I should be able to pre Crown twice before needing to do the pyramid. However, how do you reliably move your alignment from extreme (N= in my case) before praying? And even then, can you be sure that you won't be crowned instead? I seem to recall praying at absolutely close while N- on another character, and receiving a crowning- however that character was not eligible for a pre due to artifacts generation.

Thanks!!