Warwick Farm trainer Greg Hickman has adopted a straightforward approach to preparing Future History, with a singular objective in mind.
The upcoming Melbourne Cup (3200m) is the primary consideration for Hickman as he readies the imported galloper for a second tilt at Australia’s most prestigious thoroughbred race.
Future History, previously under the care of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, finished 15th in the 2023 Melbourne Cup. That team later stated the gelding did not see out the race distance.
Hickman took over the training of Future History earlier this year and campaigned the gelding in Brisbane during the winter. He raced competitively there, although without achieving a victory.
The current spring campaign has been exclusively conducted in Melbourne, with Hickman basing himself at Flemington to prepare Future History for his chance at racing glory.
Future History will make his final appearance before the Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 3rd in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m). This race offers the winner a ballot exemption into the Cup, which would be invaluable for Hickman, as his stayer is currently 32nd in the Order of Entry.
“You only get one chance of having a crack at the Melbourne Cup,” Hickman commented.
“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 mentioned it has been a thrilling experience to have Future History in Melbourne for the Carnival. His only previous winner of a feature race during the Melbourne Spring Carnival was Sir Dex in the 2003 Carbine Club Stakes.
He indicated that it would be a significant thrill to have his first Melbourne Cup runner.
“I’ve only had one runner in the Gunnedah Cup, let alone the Melbourne Cup,” Hickman stated.
“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 his considerable experience in his quest to have Future History in top form 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 said.
“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.”
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