Ciaron Maher’s class colt Jukebox has shot into Blue Diamond Stakes 2017 contention with a smart debut win at Geelong on Wednesday.

Trainer Ciaron Maher could chase the 2017 Blue Diamond Stakes win with his young colt Jukebox. Photo: Daniel Costello.

The son of Snitzel lined-up in a two-year-olds maiden over 1100m on January 12 with Craig Williams aboard and beat home I’ll Have A Bit by over a length in 1:04.87.

A $200,000 purchase from the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale last year, Jukebox is owned by many of the same connections as the Maher-trained Caulfield Cup winning mare Jameka who races in the same royal blue and lime jockey colours.

Winning hoop on Wednesday Williams was pleased with how the horse felt on debut and tipped improvement on a more suitable track.

“The track is a bit patchy – on and off – and he was coming off the bridle through that type of ground but in the end he showed his class without having too much pressure and he does give me a feel that If I ask him for more, he’s going to give me a sharp response,” he told the media post-win.

“He’s a horse with a lot of potential and very good ability.”

The untapped juvenile was one of 198 horses paid up for at second declaration stage for next month’s $1.5 million Group 1 Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield Racecourse.

Maher is yet to saddle-up a Blue Diamond Stakes starter at his home track, but has six youngsters still in contention for this year’s edition of the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival feature.

Jukebox sits as a $15 shot in the all-in Blue Diamond Stakes betting at race sponsor Ladbrokes.com.au.

He is equal in futures markets with the likes of the Tony McEvoy-trained Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate winner Aspect, runner-up in the same Melbourne Cup Carnival feature Cao Cao for last year’s Blue Diamond Stakes winning trainer Mick Price and Peter & Paul Snowden’s unraced Redoute’s Choice colt Pariah.

The latest Blue Diamond Stakes odds are led by the David & Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained trio of Catchy ($11), Tulip ($11) and Formality ($13).

The next round of Blue Diamond declarations are third acceptances taken on Tuesday January 31.

Stablemate Jameka meanwhile is tipped to kick off her autumn in the year’s opening elite level – the $500,000 Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 11.

Her major aim this campaign is the 2017 Australian Cup, the $1.5 million event over 2000m running at Flemington on the March 11.

To back Jukebox at his current juicy Blue Diamond Stakes price head to Ladbrokes.com.au and enjoy access to all the best autumn Group 1 racing odds!