Guest House chasing Diamond

Trainer Mick Price believes he has another genuine Blue Diamond Stakes contender after Guest House overcame a green debut to win at Cranbourne on Saturday.

Ridden by Jamie Melham, Guest House over-raced and was wide throughout but showed raw talent to surge clear late, winning by three-quarters of a length over Resolutely.

“He did a lot wrong, but he’s got serious talent,” Melham said. “He’ll only improve with racing and maturity.”

Price was pleased to bank the $82,500 in prizemoney, a key step toward securing a start in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 21.

“He’s explosive but doesn’t quite know how to use his gears yet,” Price said. “That run will do him the world of good. Now he’ll have a short break and we’ll map out a plan toward the Blue Diamond.”

While the tight circuit at Cranbourne wasn’t ideal, Price said it was important to get a race under Guest House’s belt.

“I just needed to run him, give him some experience and set him up,” he said.