Warwick Farm trainer Greg Hickman has been matter of fact in his preparation of Future History with one race in mind.
The Melbourne Cup (3200m) is forefront of Hickman’s thoughts as he prepares the imported galloper for a second attempt at Australia’s biggest race.
In the care of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, Future History finished 15th in the 2023 Melbourne Cup after which that team said the gelding failed to see out the trip.
Hickman took over the training of Future History earlier in the year and campaigned the gelding in Brisbane during the winter where he raced competitively, without winning.
The spring campaign has been solely in Melbourne with Hickman basing himself at Flemington preparing Future History for his shot at history.
Future History will have his last outing before the Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 3 in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday, a race that provides the winner with a ballot exemption into the Cup which would come in handy for Hickman as his stayer is number 32 in the Order of Entry.
“You only get one chance of having a crack at the Melbourne Cup,” Hickman said.
“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 said it had been exciting having Future History in Melbourne for the Carnival with his only previous feature winner during the Melbourne Spring Carnival being Sir Dex in the 2003 Carbine Club Stakes.
He said it would be a huge thrill to have his first Melbourne Cup runner.
“I’ve only had one runner in the Gunnedah Cup, let alone the Melbourne Cup,” Hickman said.
“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 called on all his experience in a bid to have Future History at his peak for Saturday, 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 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.”
