Stratagem

Recent form tells a more interesting story than raw numbers. In his last six races, Stratagem has finished in the money four times, including two wins, which suggests he remains competitive and is still finding winners. His partnership with jockey David Maxwell is particularly effective: they have won two of eight races together, a 25 per cent win rate that beats his overall average. Maxwell rode him to that July victory at Cartmel and seems to understand what this horse needs to run well.

Trainer Mickey Bowen's yard at Haverfordwest has been prolific this season with 52 winners, and Stratagem fits into what looks like a well-oiled operation. The horse's record at Class 4 level—one win from eight races—shows he finds life tougher against the stronger fields, but his dominance at Cartmel and on normal ground suggests Bowen knows exactly where to place him for success. At ten years old, Stratagem is past his prime but far from finished. He remains active and capable of paying his way, especially when conditions suit and when he runs at courses where he has a track record of winning.