Mick Price would have preferred not to delay the debut of Guest House, but patience proved worthwhile when the colt made a winning first appearance at Cranbourne.
Withdrawn from last Saturday’s Magic Millions VIC 2YO Classic (1100m) at Caulfield Heath, the son of Home Affairs instead launched his career in the Clamms Seafood Handicap (1000m).
Despite the race being a secondary option, the victory delivered valuable prizemoney as connections begin shaping a path towards the $2 million Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m).
“Job done today and the $82,500 goes towards the autumn,” Price said.
“The first project will be the 1200-metres of the Blue Diamond. We have to find the right way to get him there but he’ll have a little breather now.
“He’s got some areas of improvement and 1000-metres around here was not ideal.”
Guest House ($1.85 favourite) caused Jamie Melham a few anxious moments shortly after the jump but showed his natural ability once balanced turning for home.
“I was hoping Jamie could get off heels and she was able to,” Price added.
“He’s got an explosive nature about him and he doesn’t quite understand his gears. He won under a bit of difficult when he wanted to overrace and handle the tight track here.”
The $270,000 2025 Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase scored by three-quarters of a length, with fellow debutants Resolutely ($5.50) and Leopard Shark ($15) filling the placings.
Melham said the colt still had plenty to learn.
“He’s definitely not the furnished product yet,” Melham said.
“I’d love to see him next prep. He didn’t handle the turn very well and did a lot wrong but he had a good enough time out there without doing a lot right.”
Early markets for the Blue Diamond Stakes and future juvenile races can be found via the Australian betting sites list.