JOHNNY MURTAGH is expecting Makfi to prove a “tough nut to crack” in the Sony-sponsored Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot today.

BOOKMAKERS have unanimously inserted Canford Cliffs as favourite in his defining clash with Makfi in Saturday’s Sony-sponsored Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.

AS Festival openers go, today’s first day of the Royal Ascot meeting exceeds with regal abandon.

Richard Hannon is in confident mood as Canford Cliffs bids to finally live up to the hype in the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh tomorrow.

FRANK Ennis believes Sebastian Flyte is not a complete no-hoper in the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh on Saturday.

BALLYDOYLE, who are usually mob-handed in the Classics, will rely solely on Devoted To You in Sunday’s StanJames.com 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.