Makfi update Mikel Delzangles feels Makfi will still have a race on his hands at Ascot on Saturday despite the absence of Canford Cliffs. The two Classic-winning three-year-old colts had been due to meet for a third time this season in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, but Canford Cliffs has been ruled out after scoping dirty. Delzangles respects the opposition, headed by last year's winner Rip Van Winkle, but is happy Makfi has the opportunity to put the record straight at Ascot. The only blot on his copybook came in the St James's Palace Stakes when he was well-beaten by Canford Cliffs, but he was found to be a sick horse afterwards. The 2000 Guineas winner bounced back in spectacular fashion when claiming the scalps of Goldikova and Paco Boy in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville last month. "The match with Canford Cliffs is over but it is still going to be a good race with horses like Rip Van Winkle," said the French trainer. "He is in great form, there is no problem with him. I don't think the race track was the problem last time. It was that he was sick. "Everything has been fine and he is as well as he was in Deauville. It is a dream to have a horse like that."
