Waiting an extra week to unveil Guest House was not part of Mick Price’s original plan, but the delay proved a successful one when the colt debuted with a win at Cranbourne.

Scratched from the Magic Millions VIC 2YO Classic (1100m) at Caulfield Heath, the Home Affairs youngster instead took his place in the Clamms Seafood Handicap (1000m).

While not the preferred target, the race delivered an important prize as the stable begins mapping out a campaign towards the 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 fav) raced keenly early and was awkwardly placed before finding his rhythm around the home turn.

“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 yearling proved too strong late, scoring by three-quarters of a length over Resolutely ($5.50), with Leopard Shark ($15) finishing third.

Melham believes the colt will improve significantly with experience.

“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.”

Future betting markets for Guest House and the Blue Diamond Stakes are available through the Australian betting sites list.