Hickman banking on Future History for Cup success
The primary winter objective for Future History has been the Tattersall's Cup, and if the gelding secures victory, a start in the Melbourne Cup will become a tangible goal.
This eight-year-old, who competed in Australia's most celebrated race back in 2023, has been running with considerable spirit this season. He achieved a sequence of three consecutive wins for former trainer Ciaron Maher during the summer before a change in ownership led him to join Greg Hickman's stable.
In his two outings for his new conditioner, he registered a close fourth position in the Chairman's Handicap (2000m) at Doomben and a third placing in the Lord Mayor's Cup (1800m) at Eagle Farm.
With these performances now behind him, Future History is poised to reach his peak, though Hickman concedes the substantial gelding has demanded more effort to reach fitness than initially expected.
"We've just had to learn a little bit about him," Hickman shared. "When he came in, he was 600 kilos. I have worked him hard all week and he's put on six kilos, so he's a big boy. It has been a month between runs, but I did a fair bit with him Saturday week ago and his work was exceptional. Touch wood, everything has been perfect."
Future History possesses a winning record up to 2800m, and Hickman anticipates he will appreciate the step up to 2400m in Saturday's Tattersall's Cup at Eagle Farm.
While he faces the widest gate in the eight-runner field, he did set the pace in his three staying victories over the summer. Nevertheless, Hickman is comfortable leaving tactical decisions to jockey Nash Rawiller.
Future History held favouritism at $3.30, just ahead of Pounding ($3.40) on Thursday. Should he win, connections would look to solidify plans for a Melbourne Cup program in the spring.
"This race has been the main target this campaign," Hickman commented. "If he was to race well on Saturday and then come home, he would have a freshen up and then go to Melbourne."
The winners of the Melbourne Cup for the last three years – Half Yours, Knight's Choice, and Without A Fight – all followed campaigns during the Brisbane winter carnival.
Future History is a compelling prospect for the Tattersall's Cup, and you can explore the latest racing betting markets at racing betting markets.
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