Up The Monk

Both victories have come at Class 6 level, the entry-level tier of British racing, where Up The Monk has raced most of its career. In 14 races at that grade it has won twice, a rate of 14% — roughly 1 in every 7. That is a more encouraging number than the overall record suggests, and it tells you this is a horse that knows its level. The first win came at Southwell in August 2025, and the second followed at Chelmsford in January 2026. Two different tracks, two different conditions — that is at least a sign of some adaptability.

The recent form makes for slightly difficult reading: the last six runs read 10-7-8-4-6-1, working backwards from the most recent race. That means outside of the Chelmsford win five months ago, Up The Monk has been finishing well down the field. Double-digit finishes are not what you want to see, and at this stage the horse will need to show something closer to that January performance if it is going to add to its tally.

Jockey Alistair Rawlinson has been the regular partner, riding in 6 of Up The Monk's races and winning once — a win rate of 17%, or roughly 1 in every 6 rides together. That is actually above the horse's overall average, which suggests the partnership at least has something going for it. Trainer Michael Appleby, based at Oakham in Rutland, is having a productive season by any measure — 71 winners sent out this year from a yard that operates at high volume and knows how to place horses to their best advantage. The fact that Up The Monk raced just yesterday tells you Appleby keeps a busy schedule. Whether another win is coming soon is the open question.