Bookies rate Canford Cliffs above Makfi

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.

Richard Hannon's colt finished third behind the French ace in the 2,000 Guineas in May before gaining his revenge over a below-par Makfi in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

They both won on their next start, Canford Cliffs in the Sussex Stakes while Makfi caused waves in beating Goldikova at Deauville, and will arrive in Berkshire at the top of their game. Totesport are keenest on Canford Cliffs, making him their even-money jolly with the Mikel Delzangles-trained Makfi at 9-4.

"Canford Cliffs holds all the aces ahead of the QEII having beaten both Makfi and Rip Van Winkle earlier on in the season, but both those horses have since won at the top level so we should be in for an absolute cracker at Ascot on Saturday," said totesport spokesman George Primarolo. It is not just a two-horse race, however, with last year's winner Rip Van Winkle sure to catch the eye of many punters as he reverts to a mile following his victory in the Juddmonte International at York. He is a 7-2 chance with Skybet, while his trainer Aidan O'Brien has thrown a curve ball into the mix by leaving in Irish Champion Stakes and Irish Derby winner Cape Blanco. Matt Doyle of Skybet said: "Two great milers dominate the betting for the Classic generation and it will be fascinating to see how Ballydoyle play their hand with Rip Van Winkle and Cape Blanco both entered."

Meanwhile, Redwood claimed his first top-level success in the Northern Dancer Turf Stakes at Woodbine. The Barry Hills-trained four-year-old benefited from a considered Michael Hills ride to cosily score by half a length from Fifty Proof.