York Ebor Festival 2023: Favourites for the Clipper Handicap

The favourites to win the Clipper Handicap this year.

The 2023 York Ebor Festival is just on the horizon, with the action set to get underway at York Racecourse in a fortnight’s time. Racing starts on Wednesday, 23rd August with the four days of enthralling action set to end on Saturday, 26th August 2023. The Ebor race is amongst the most historic in the world, with the meeting taking place for the first time back in 1843.

Fast forward to 2023, and the Clipper Handicap will be one of the races that stand out on day two, and several horses are thought to have a great chance of taking home the victory in this prestigious race.

One of the leading favourites, according to Sporting Life and Sky Bet, is Lattam, who is trained by William Haggas. Lattam has been in excellent form recently – back on 25th March 2023, Jockey Chris Hayes rode Lattam to victory in the Paddy Power Irish Lincolnshire (Premier Handicap) at Curragh. He finished ahead of Saltonstall and Casanova, who had to settle for second and third respectively.

Then came the BetGoodwin Spring Cup Handicap at Newbury, where Lattam missed out on the race win to Jimi Hendrix and had to settle for second place. Revich and Great Max rounded off the top four.

Lattam’s most recent race victory came on 29th June 2023 in the Jenningsbet In Kippax Seaton Delaval Handicap at Newcastle. It was a tight race, with victory being secured by jockey Daniel Tudhope just ahead of Spirit Catcher (2nd Place) and Alrehb (3rd Place).

It did not go quite so well in the Coral Golden Mile at Goodwood in early August, but with recent victories and form as a whole, there will be plenty of people who will see Lattam as a strong favourite to win the Clipper Handicap.

Perotto is seen as a leading contender for the race by Sporting Life and SkyBet. Tom Marquand rod Perotto to victory at Sandown in the Coral Challenge (Handicap), fending off competition from Ouzo, Dutch Decoy and Revich. Whilst still 12lb below a peak BHA rating of 110, Perotto has looked promising in races so far this year.

Weather will be a significant factor in the chances of victory in the Clipper Handicap at York for Perotto. Naturally, should conditions be favourable, the chances of a win will be significantly boosted. There is a chance in worse weather, but Perotto will be hoping for good weather on the day of the race.

Akhu Najla is another horse to keep your eye on in the 2023 Clipper Handicap at York. After almost a year away from competitive action, Akhu Najla returned for the Betfred Handicap at Ascot on 29th July 2023. It was a promising return, with jockey David Egan guiding his horse to a solid and very respectable 4th place finish.

With the 2023 Clipper Handicap getting closer and closer by the day, excitement for what is set to be an enthralling race will only grow. Why not join us at the York Ebor Festival this year? Experience all of the enthralling racing action in style with an Eventmasters VIP Hospitality Package.