Murtagh aware of the task ahead for Rip Johnny Murtagh is expecting Makfi to prove a "tough nut to crack" in the Sony-sponsored Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Saturday. 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. "He did win the Guineas and I think he showed last time in France that was no fluke at all by beating Goldikova. "He'll be a tough nut to crack, but I'm looking forward to riding Rip again. "Everybody knows what I think of him, I've always thought he was special and I'm looking forward to tomorrow when it's another big day again. "He won it last year so he obviously likes the track. "He's going to have a hell of a lot going for him when he eventually goes to stud. He's by Galileo, he's won Group Ones at a mile and 10 furlongs and hopefully he'll add another one."
