Stratagem

The overall career record of 3 wins and 7 places from 16 races tells the story of a consistent, reliable performer. Winning roughly 1 in every 5 races (19%) across a career is nothing to sniff at, and the placing record suggests a horse that rarely has a bad day. Most of those races have come at Class 4 level, which is solid mid-tier racing in Britain, though the win rate there — 1 from 8 — hints that Stratagem has had to work hard to pick up victories against competitive fields.

What gives the profile a sharp edge right now is what happened this week. Stratagem won at Sedgefield on 1 April 2026, meaning it is currently in the form of its life. That follows a patchy recent spell — a 6th and a 4th among some unplaced efforts — so this latest win looks like a horse returning to its best at exactly the right time. The first career win came at Ludlow back in March 2022, so this is a horse with four years of competitive experience at the top end of its game.

The jockey partnership with Mr David Maxwell is one worth noting. In 8 races together they have won 2, which works out at 25% — wins 1 in every 4. That is a meaningful connection, and when Maxwell is in the saddle on a normal-ground day, punters and fans alike will have good reason to pay attention. Bowen's yard is in fine form too, having sent out 46 winners this season — a training operation clearly firing on all cylinders. Put it all together and Stratagem looks like a horse that knows exactly what it needs to perform, and is currently getting it.