Warwick Farm based trainer Greg Hickman has been very direct in his preparation of Future History, with a singular race firmly in his sights.
The Melbourne Cup (3200m) is at the forefront of Hickman’s thoughts as he readies the imported galloper for a second attempt at Australia’s premier race.
Future History, previously under the care of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, finished 15th in the 2023 Melbourne Cup, with that team noting the gelding struggled to finish the distance.
Hickman took over the training duties for Future History earlier this year and campaigned the gelding in Brisbane during the winter months, where he performed competitively without securing a victory.
The current spring campaign has been exclusively based in Melbourne, with Hickman establishing himself at Flemington to prepare Future History for his shot at racing history.
Future History is scheduled to have his final run before the Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 3rd in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m), a race that offers the winner automatic entry into the Cup. This exemption would be highly beneficial for Hickman, as his stayer is currently ranked 32nd in the Order of Entry.
“You only get one chance of having a crack at the Melbourne Cup,” Hickman stated.
“Even though we’ve drawn bad on Saturday, it gives me the chance to ride him quietly, get some cover and hit the line as he can reel off some really good sectionals.
“You have to take a positive, where there is a negative, but I think the horse is in a really good space.”
Hickman expressed his excitement about having Future History in Melbourne during the Carnival. His sole previous feature race winner during the Melbourne Spring Carnival was Sir Dex, who won the Carbine Club Stakes in 2003.
He conveyed that it would be an immense thrill to have his first Melbourne Cup runner.
“I’ve only had one runner in the Gunnedah Cup, let alone the Melbourne Cup,” Hickman remarked.
“We had Sir Dex down a years ago. He was favourite for the Caulfield Cup. He drew barrier one and got smashed out of the barriers.
“I know we have that thing between New South Wales and Victoria, but to me, it would be just enormous to be able to have a runner in the historical race in Australia.
“I’m just over the moon.”
At 66 years of age, Hickman has drawn upon all his experience in an effort to have Future History in peak condition for Saturday’s race, and subsequently for the Melbourne Cup.
“There’s a bit of wisdom there, whether that’s good or bad, I don’t know,” Hickman commented.
“The lessons you learn along the way all will hopefully help towards that Tuesday.
“We’re not expecting the world. He ran 15th at his previous go, and if he can run top 10, job done, and if he can win, the job’s been done even better.”
Fancy a punt on the Moonee Valley Gold Cup? Check out the latest racing odds at Australian betting sites.
