Monmouth: Corinthian's Jewel captures Restoration in first try against winners

Corinthian’s Jewel, making his first start against winners following his maiden victory in his third career start in early July, drew clear in the stretch to win Sunday’s $60,000 Restoration Stakes for 3-year-old turf runners at Monmouth Park.

Ridden confidently by Paco Lopez, Corinthian’s Jewel ($8.60) was third, five lengths off the pace, through the first six furlongs in 1:11.82. He made a three-wide bid on the turn for home, kicked clear in upper stretch, and reached the wire 1 1/4 lengths in front.

“I asked him for his run at the three-eighths pole and he really took off,” Lopez said. “ This horse finished very strong today. He was impressive.”

Corinthian’s Jewel, a son of Corinthian trained by George Weaver for R.A. Hill Stable and Shirley K. Stable, completed 1 1/8 miles on firm turf in 1:48.21.

Unbroken was second at 8-1, 1 3/4 lengths in front of Star Channel, the even-money favorite.

“We always knew that he had some quality and his works leading up to this race were very good.” Weaver said. “ I felt very confident that we would run really well.”