Guest House and his stable companion Big Sky are central to evaluations against other early-maturing colts under Mick Price’s care, yet it’s a young horse that Price didn’t even condition himself who lingers in his thoughts.
Price noted that the Home Affairs colt exhibits traits akin to 2005 Golden Slipper victor Stratum, the stallion behind Guest House’s dam Flamboyant Lass, motivating the top juvenile handler to spend $270,000 on him during last year’s Magic Millions January Sale.
Paul Perry secured the training rights for Stratum, but only by edging out Price when that Redoute’s Choice offspring came up at the 2004 yearling auction.
“I remember Stratum because I bid on him,” Price said.
“He was a beautiful colt with no pedigree and he (Guest House) reminds me of Stratum.
“When I saw him, that’s what I saw.”
Trained by Price alongside Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) at Caulfield this Saturday, marking his initial outing since an easy victory at Cranbourne on December 27.
The Roll The Dice Racing-owned youngster aims to mirror Flying Artie, whom Price guided to a Blue Diamond Prelude success at his second start 10 years back, followed by a close second to stablemate Extreme Choice in the Blue Diamond.
Extreme Choice claimed that feature after demolishing rivals by 4-1/2 lengths in the 1000m Chairman’s Stakes, a contest Big Sky captured by three lengths just last Saturday.
Similar to Extreme Choice and Flying Artie a decade prior, Guest House and Big Sky lead the wagering for this year’s Diamond, with Guest House installed as the $4 top pick ahead of his mate at $4.50.
Guest House prepared for his comeback with a commanding trial success over 800m at Cranbourne on January 26, and Price believes the upcoming $350,000 Group 3 event will position him perfectly for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) on February 21. Check the top Australian betting sites for the best odds on the Blue Diamond Prelude.
“He’s raring to go, that horse,” Price said.
“So, we’ll sit him off one on Tuesday, get a nice gallop (and) turn up in the 1100 where he’ll be hard to beat.
“He will improve and I reckon he’s got a very robust 1200 (metre race) in him.”
Among the 13 colts and geldings nominated for the race are the first four from the Preview – Alibaba, Milsons Point, Invicto and High Alert – plus Eternal Warrior from the Merson Cooper Stakes and Eurocanto from the Maribyrnong Trial.
A $350,000 Group 2 version for fillies is also on the card, featuring Geelong Diamond winner Moana Spirit among 18 entries.
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