It may have been a late decision, but Ciaron Maher’s Future History ($3.70) proved too strong when taking out the $200,000 Listed January Cup at Rosehill Gardens under heavy conditions.

After the track was downgraded to a Heavy 8 earlier in the day, connections weighed up whether to start the son of Showcasing, who had previously shown a preference for firmer going.

That decision paid off in style, with the eight-year-old leading from start to finish to defeat Touristic ($4.40) by three-quarters of a length, while favourite Imperialist ($2.80F) finished another length and three-quarters away in third.

Nash Rawiller produced a perfectly judged ride, sticking close to the rail as others fanned wider searching for better ground.

Stable representative Sam Fitzgerald said the team trusted Rawiller’s instincts.

“We obviously didn’t tie him down with too many instructions other than to lead,” Fitzgerald said.

“I was a bit surprised he stuck as close to the rail as he did, but you can’t question his judgement — he’s done it too many times.”

Maher’s training effort was notable, with Future History dropping back sharply in trip after his previous win over 2800 metres at Flemington.

“It was a last-minute decision to accept and a last-minute decision to run,” Fitzgerald said.

“But he had the fitness edge and that told in the conditions.

“The track was a bit of a concern, but he handled it better than most.”

Rawiller was confident throughout the run.

“He always felt the winner,” Rawiller said.

“He travelled in a lovely rhythm and was always comfortable.”

Punters following the form out of the January Cup can keep track of markets through leading Australian betting sites.

Future History is now likely to head toward the Listed Australia Day Cup at Warwick Farm on January 26.

The post Future History too strong in January Cup first appeared on Just Horse Racing.