A move away from two miles is the key to getting the best out of Future History as Ciaron Maher’s team eyes success at Flemington on Wednesday.
The seven-year-old was once a Melbourne Cup contender in 2023, finishing 15th behind Without A Fight, but connections believe shorter staying trips suit him better.
He will attempt to make it back-to-back wins in the Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) on the New Year’s Eve program.
Future History resumed winning form in the Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) at Randwick on December 13.
“He was very good last start,” Maher’s national assistant Jack Turnbull said.
“He was back to the form from his early days when he won the Bart Cummings as a three-year-old.
“He is very fit and can go forward, roll along and if he gets the right race shape he is our best seed in it.”
Turnbull admitted it has taken time to get the stayer back to winning form.
“It has been a bit of a process getting him back to winning form and he has threatened,” Turnbull said.
“It was a tough effort last start. They came at him a few times and he kept grinding away.
“We know he doesn’t get the two miles but if he gets it nice enough from the 2800 he should be fine.”
Maher will saddle four runners in the race, including Interpretation and Hobart Cup winner Strawberry Rock.
“Interpretation is a bit of an enigma but he’s a great horse to train,” Turnbull said.
“He ran a cracker in the Bendigo Cup and he loves Flemington.
“With his age and rating there are only two or three races that he can run well in and win, and this is one of them.”