Keeping Future History away from the extreme staying trips is seen as the key to unlocking his best form as Ciaron Maher’s team eyes back-to-back victories at Flemington on Wednesday.
Once considered a Melbourne Cup contender in 2023 when finishing 15th behind Without A Fight, the seven-year-old has since proven far more effective at reduced distances and will attempt to repeat his success in the Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m).
Future History returned to winning form earlier this month when claiming the Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) at Randwick, his first victory since the Group 3 JRA Cup (2040m) at Moonee Valley in October 2024.
“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 the stable has needed patience to get the stayer back to peak 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. That is a race that he really likes, to fend them off and he stays on.
“We know he doesn’t get the two miles but if he gets it nice enough from the 2800 he should be fine.”
Maher has a strong history in staying features but has only won the Bagot once, that success coming with San Huberto in 2023 when training in partnership with David Eustace.
Future History is one of four Maher runners engaged in the traditional New Year’s staying contest, alongside fellow former Melbourne Cup hopeful Interpretation and 2025 Group 3 Hobart Cup winner Strawberry Rock.
“Interpretation is a bit of an enigma but he’s a great horse to train in that he’s danced every dance but doesn’t win out of turn,” Turnbull said.
“He ran a cracker in the Bendigo Cup and he loves Flemington. He’s the most dour stayer we have and this is his trip.
“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.”
Early betting markets for the Bagot Handicap can be found via the Australian betting sites list.