The Tattersall’s Cup has been the primary winter objective for Future History throughout this campaign, and a victory could pave the way for a realistic tilt at the Melbourne Cup.
The eight-year-old, who participated in Australia’s premier race in 2023, has been performing exceptionally well this season. He achieved a hat-trick of wins for his former trainer Ciaron Maher during the summer before an ownership change saw him transferred to Greg Hickman’s stable.
In his two starts under his new handler, Future History secured a close fourth in the Chairman’s Handicap (2000m) at Doomben and a third place in the Lord Mayor’s Cup (1800m) at Eagle Farm.
With these solid performances, Future History is primed to reach his peak, although Hickman acknowledged that the robust gelding has required more training to achieve peak fitness than initially anticipated.
“We’ve just had to learn a little bit about him,” Hickman stated. “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 has demonstrated his capability to win over distances up to 2800m, and Hickman anticipates he will thrive as he extends to 2400m in Saturday’s Tattersall’s Cup at Eagle Farm.
Despite drawing the outside barrier in the field of eight, he did lead the charge in his three staying victories over the summer. However, Hickman is prepared to entrust jockey Nash Rawiller with the tactical decisions.
Future History was the narrow $3.30 favourite ahead of Pounding ($3.40) on Thursday, and if he proves victorious, connections will aim to solidify plans for a Melbourne Cup campaign in the spring.
“This race has been the main target this campaign,” Hickman confirmed. “If he was to race well on Saturday and then come home, he would have a freshen up and then go to Melbourne.”
The last three Melbourne Cup winners – Half Yours, Knight’s Choice, and Without A Fight – all emerged from Brisbane’s winter carnival campaigns.
For the Tattersall’s Cup, Future History is a strong contender and you can find the latest racing odds at Australian betting sites.