ROYAL Ascot has occupied centre stage in the racing world all week.

Following the impressive two-and-half-length winning performance by Cresta Gold at Hay-dock Park earlier this month, the filly takes her chance at the prestigious meeting in the King George V (Heritage Handicap) Stakes at 5.30pm today.

Cresta Gold is trained by Alan Bailey of Tarporley, where the new all-weather circuit adjacent to the stable yard proved invaluable in keeping the horses going during wet periods.

Bailey said: 'We've always thought a lot of Cresta Gold and thought she might need the run but she won very well. She's a lean type and will be better next year. She's starting to round off a bit now and we won't over-race her this season.'

Travelling in the opposite direction today is Ballycroy Girl who runs in the Renault Vans Handicap at Ayr.

Bailey's comment was: 'She'll take a lot of beating. She's well handicapped but does have her own ideas. She's won twice at Ayr and likes the track.'

Accompanying the filly north of the border is Vanatina, due to appear in the CCB Maiden Auction Stakes, and Wizardmicktee who goes with a chance in the seven-furlong Arnold Clark Renault Handicap.

Tarn Tregarth will have learnt from her debut racecourse appearance two weeks ago, but the two-year-old needs more time to develop.

Bailey's appraisal of the filly was: 'She wants a bit of give in the ground and will be better suited over six or seven furlongs. The plan is to get her handicapped for an autumn campaign.'

Better suited to the all-weather surface is Law Maker who doesn't know how to run a bad race. Golden Boot and Myttons Pride both continue to run to their mark despite not putting in top performances at the Chester evening meeting last week.

Horses to look out for later in the season include Lily Of Tagula who is unlikely to appear on a racecourse before September.

The trainer explained: 'We won't push her, she's a big filly and still growing. She's a very good type and needs time.'

Yard Dog Willie is a chestnut by Beckett, a tough colt who is going in the right direction now and should be ready to run by late July, probably over seven furlongs.

Bailey's favourite horse, Lennel, is now back in work and expected to race next month. A few shares on a lease basis are available in the eight-year-old.

'I'd never sell him. He's a grand old horse and wins a race every year. He had injured his leg when finishing second last time out,' said Bailey.

Glaramara has experienced a few training problems and will be freshened up before running in August or September. Bailey holds the view that there is a really good handicap in the five-year-old gelding.

A number of horses in the yard are set to try their chances over hurdles.

Peephole will have one run on the flat before going to Bangor-on-Dee in July.

King Of Chav's will go on firm ground and is an early type for juvenile hurdles.

Showtime Annie is having a summer break before going hurdling. The filly has been plagued with muscular problems during her racing career and Bailey is hopeful these are now resolved.

Queens Rhapsody has also been schooled to take his chance over hurdles.