Apprentice Gonzalez making a name for himself at Parx, Aqueduct

After a successful stint at Gulfstream Park, apprentice rider Melvis Gonzalez is quickly getting used to life at Parx Racing. Hustling between his home track and Aqueduct Racetrack this month, he has finished in the money in 12 of 20 starts with four wins, putting him on par with top jockeys in the region.

Since arriving in Pennsylvania in March, Gonzalez has worked hard to earn a positive reputation from local trainers. His job never stops. He is often one of the first people at the track in the morning and continues to earn more mounts on race days.

While he looks for an apartment, he is staying with his agent, Richard Englander. In Englander’s home, they often review racing footage well into the evening.

“He’s with me and my wife. She cooks meals for him seven days a week,” Englander said. “We’re making that very easy for him. He’s a great young man, very respectful, and I love coaching him.”

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Gonzalez’s unending efforts reflect his ambitions. Racing in Florida and briefly California last year, the 23-year-old rider rubbed shoulders with the most successful jockeys in the world. Some of them became friends and role models all at once.

“I want to be a big jockey riding at the biggest tracks,” Gonzalez said. “I want to win the Kentucky Derby. I like how Tyler Gaffalione and Luis Saez ride. They ride strong.”

Last week, Gonzalez earned six mounts at Aqueduct and won his second race Thursday, guiding 3-year-old colt Twenty One Kid home in a $40,000 claiming race. He will ride 10 horses at Parx this week and then take another trip to New York, where he has earned another six mounts this weekend.

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