Future History delivered a tough and determined performance to claim the $200,000 Listed January Cup at Rosehill, justifying a late call by connections to press ahead despite testing conditions.

The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding was considered a possible scratching after rain downgraded the track to a Heavy 8, but ultimately lined up and proved superior to his rivals.

Jumping well, Future History took up the running and was never headed, scoring by three-quarters of a length over Touristic, with Imperialist finishing third.

Nash Rawiller elected to hug the inside rail, a move that proved decisive as others struggled to make ground wider on the track.

Stable representative Sam Fitzgerald said confidence in the jockey played a key role in the decision-making.

“We just said to Nash to let him roll along,” Fitzgerald said.

“He judged it perfectly. I thought the rail might be off, but he clearly knew what he was doing.”

Maher’s decision to drop the gelding back in trip after a 2800-metre win at Flemington was also vindicated.

“It was a bit of a gamble, but his fitness really told,” Fitzgerald said.

“The conditions were the big question mark, but he handled them brilliantly.”

Rawiller said the horse always travelled like a winner.

“He was in a good rhythm the whole way,” he said. “You still need the horse to cope with it and he certainly did.”

Those looking to follow Future History’s next assignment can find updated odds and form guides via major racing betting platforms.

The eight-year-old is now expected to back up in the Listed Australia Day Cup at Warwick Farm.

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