Tarrant has Pair for Restoration

When trainer Amy Tarrant saddles her pair of runners in Saturday’s $100,000 Restoration Stakes, she knows she’s going in with a proven winner and a horse that has something to prove.

Leading the charge of the “provens” is The Cognac Kid, who left handicappers scratching their heads after paying $208.20 to win in breaking his maiden on May 31 here, his first start on turf. He hasn’t left the turf course since, finishing third in an entry level allowance on July 3 and then sixth in the Jersey Derby on Aug. 1.

“He lost all chance at the start that day,” said Tarrant, referring to the Jersey Derby. “He got hit from both sides coming out of the gate. He’s come back from that in fine shape and he’s feeling real good. I think he’s going to run a big race.”

The Restoration, at a mile and an eighth on turf, is restricted to 3-year-olds. The Cognac Kid, a $155,000 2-year-old purchase last March, is by Hennessy from the Allen’s Alydar mare Irish Daisy.

Looking to make a name for himself is the Tarrant-trained Key to the Empire, who will be looking to break his maiden in the Restoration.

“I know it’s a tough race, but he doing great,” Tarrant said. “He’s got the talent, the ability and the mile and an eighth should be perfect for him. We’re taking a shot here, but I think he deserves it.”

Key to the Empire was purchased for $100,000 from the same sale as The Cognac Kid. With eight career starts, Key to the Empire sports a place and two shows. The colt by Empire Maker will be making his third start of the meet and fourth on turf lifetime.

A field of nine have entered in the Restoration Stakes, which goes as race 10 on the 12-race Saturday program.