Distance the key for Future History

A one-time Lexus Melbourne Cup contender back in 2023 where he finished 15th behind Without A Fight, pulling back from that distance is seen as a positive move for the seven-year-old who is looking to put a second win in succession in the Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) on the New Year's Eve card.

The gelding won the Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) at Randwick on December 13 in his first victory since the Group 3 JRA Cup (2040m) at Moonee Valley in October 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."

"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.

Often prominent on the honour rolls of staying features, Ciaron Maher has won the Bagot only once with San Huberto in 2023 when in partnership with David Eustace.

Future History is one of four runners for Maher in the staying feature traditionally run on New Year's Day with the former fellow Lexus Melbourne Cup aspirant Interpretation and 2025 Group 3 Hobart Cup winner Strawberry Rock set to line up.

"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."