Ciaron Maher’s camp believes distance management has been the turning point for Future History as the seasoned stayer lines up for the Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) at Flemington.
The seven-year-old once chased a Melbourne Cup dream in 2023, finishing midfield behind Without A Fight, but his connections now feel steering clear of two miles allows him to perform at his best.
That approach was rewarded when Future History landed the Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) at Randwick on December 13, ending a long winning drought stretching back to his Group 3 JRA Cup success in late 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 said the journey back to the winner’s stall has taken time.
“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 enjoyed consistent success in major staying races but has only claimed the Bagot once, winning it with San Huberto in 2023.
Future History is joined in the race by stablemates including Interpretation, a former Melbourne Cup runner, and Strawberry Rock, winner of the 2025 Group 3 Hobart Cup.
“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.”
Bagot Handicap wagering options are available through the Australian betting sites list.