You can verify that your refund is being applied to 2017 by taking a look at line 77 of your 1040. That's the amount to be carried forward. If that amount is equal to or greater than what your 1st quarter estimate would be, then you don't need to make the estimated payment. If it's less, then you should send the difference as your 1st quarter estimated payment.
When you carry an amount forward, it will count toward the 1st quarter estimate and then, if large enough, to the 2nd quarter (and so on, in order).
