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Oceanport, N.J. – RA Hill Stable and Shirley K Stable’s Corinthian’s Jewel kicked clear through the lane to post a 1 ¼ length victory in the $60,000 Restoration Stakes at Monmouth Park on Sunday. 

            Ridden by Paco Lopez, Corinthian’s Jewel covered the 1 1/8 miles distance over firm turf in 1:48 1/5 and returned $8.60, $4.20 and $2.80 as the 3-1 co-second choice in the field of six 3-year-olds. Unbroken completed the $43.40 exacta and paid $7.40 to place and $3.40 to show.  It was another 1 ¾ lengths back to even-money favorite Star Channel, who paid $2.10 to show. 

            “I asked him for his run at the three-eighths pole and he really took off,” said Lopez. “I saw Joe (Bravo, on Star Channel) beginning to put pressure on Crafty Unicorn and that’s when I went. This horse finished very strong today. He was impressive.” 

            The win was the first stakes victory for Corinthian’s Jewel and his second straight in four career races. The winner’s share of the purse boosted the bankroll for the son of Corinthian out of the Mr. Greeley mare Rhumb Line to $72,600. 

            “We always knew that he had some quality and his works leading up to this race were very good,” said winning trainer George Weaver. “I felt very confident that we would run really well. We just broke our maiden, so obviously you’re concerned when you’re running against seasoned horses. This horse was training like he could handle this assignment and he did it the way we wanted and we’re happy with him. 

            Live racing continues at Monmouth Park on Thursday, August 23- gates open at 2:30 p.m. and first post is 4 pm.