Murtagh wary of Makfi threat

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

Murtagh rides one of his favourite horses, last year’s winner Rip Van Winkle, in the showpiece race – but admits 2000 Guineas winner Makfi looked something special when beating the older Goldikova and Paco Boy in the Prix Jacques le Marois.

“They seem to be very confident about Makfi. All the quotes that are coming from France say that he is going well,” said Murtagh, who will be partnering the Aidan O’Brien-trained Rip Van Winkle for the 12th time.