Greg Hickman, the Warwick Farm trainer, has adopted a very direct strategy in preparing Future History, with one particular race at the forefront of his mind.
The Melbourne Cup (3200m) is the paramount consideration for Hickman as he readies the imported galloper for a second attempt at Australia’s most prestigious race.
Future History, who was previously trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, finished 15th in the 2023 Melbourne Cup. At that time, the training team noted that the gelding did not seem to get the trip.
Hickman took over the training of Future History earlier this year and campaigned the gelding in Brisbane throughout the winter months. He raced competitively during that period, though without registering a victory.
His spring campaign has been entirely based in Melbourne, with Hickman setting up his operations at Flemington to prepare Future History for his significant racing opportunity.
Future History is set to have his final run before the Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 3rd, participating in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m). This particular race offers the winner a ballot exemption into the Cup, which would be highly advantageous for Hickman, as his stayer is currently positioned at number 32 in the Order of Entry.
“You only get one chance of having a crack at the Melbourne Cup,” Hickman explained.
“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 expressed that it has been a rewarding experience having Future History in Melbourne for the Carnival. His singular prior winner of a feature race during the Melbourne Spring Carnival was Sir Dex, who clinched the Carbine Club Stakes in 2003.
He conveyed that it would be an immense honour to have his inaugural 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 extensive racing experience in his effort to have Future History at his peak for Saturday’s event, and then again for the Melbourne Cup.
“There’s a bit of wisdom there, whether that’s good or bad, I don’t know,” Hickman commented.
“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.”
Considering a bet on the Moonee Valley Gold Cup? Explore the top racing betting markets available.
