APPRENTICE JOCKEY GONZALEZ WINS THREE RACES IN A ROW
Apprentice jockey Alex Gonzalez, an 18-year-old native of Hollywood, Florida, won three consecutive races Friday at Golden Gate Fields.
Gonzalez swept races three through five with Count It All Joy ($15.20), Aunt Bessie ($8.80) and Notoriously ($3.80) while riding for top trainers Jerry Hollendorfer, Bud Klokstad and Greg Gilchrist.
“I just try to stay focused on my riding and try not to put any pressure on myself,” said Gonzalez, a third-generation jockey. Gonzalez’ father, Freddie Gonzalez, Jr., and his grandfather, Freddie Gonzalez, both rode at tracks in Massachusetts and New Jersey.
Gonzalez’ riding triple boosted his win total at the meeting to 15 and moved him into a tie for fifth place in the jockey standings with William Antongeorgi, III.
Gonzalez began his riding career last summer at Calder Race Course in Miami and won his first race on July 23. Gonzalez moved his tack to Northern California in December.
Gonzalez is scheduled to ride five horses Saturday at Golden Gate Fields, including
Ippon, the 9-to-5 morning line favorite in the second race. Golden Gate Fields will present nine races and post time for the first event is 12:45 p.m.