What began as a late consideration ended in success as Ciaron Maher-trained Future History proved too strong in the $200,000 Listed Yulong January Cup at Rosehill Gardens.
With the track downgraded to a Heavy 8, connections weighed up whether to start the son of Showcasing, who had previously shown a preference for firmer ground.
The decision to press on paid off, with the eight-year-old leading throughout to score by three-quarters of a length over Touristic ($4.40).
Favourite Imperialist ($2.80F) finished a further 1-3/4 lengths away in third.
Nash Rawiller judged the conditions superbly, controlling the race from the front and hugging the rails as others sought wider ground.
“We obviously didn’t tie him down with too many instructions other than to lead,” stable representative Sam Fitzgerald said.
“Certainly surprised that he had the rails as close as he did, I thought perhaps it might be off, but you can’t question his judgement. He’s done it too many times.”
Future History was dropping sharply in distance from a 2800-metre Flemington win, but Maher’s planning proved spot on.
“It was a last-minute decision to accept in the race and it was a last-minute decision to stay in the race and obviously it’s paid dividends,” Fitzgerald said.
“He always felt the winner,” Rawiller added.
Future History is now expected to head to the Listed Australia Day Cup on January 26.