Guest House stamps himself on the 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes

The delayed debut of Guest House was not ideal in Mick Price’s eyes, but the colt ensured the wait was worthwhile with a strong win at Cranbourne.

Originally set to contest the Magic Millions VIC 2YO Classic (1100m), the Home Affairs colt instead launched his career in the Clamms Seafood Handicap (1000m).

The victory provided valuable prizemoney and momentum as connections begin building 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.”

Jamie Melham had to manage Guest House ($1.85F) through a tricky early stage, but the colt responded once balanced at the top of the straight.

“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 Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase held off Resolutely ($5.50) by three-quarters of a length, with Leopard Shark ($15) another 1¼-lengths back in third.

Melham said there is still plenty of upside to come.

“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.”

Blue Diamond Stakes odds and juvenile race markets can be tracked via the Australian betting sites list.