HALLANDALE BEACH, FL — Edwin Gonzalez had spent years building his reputation away from the biggest headlines, but that changed at Santa Anita when he produced a composed ride aboard Forged Steel to land the Goodwood Stakes (G1).
Given a rare opportunity at the highest level, Gonzalez made the most of it. The Gulfstream Park-based rider guided the Saffie Joseph Jr.-trained Forged Steel to a decisive 1¼-length victory in the 1⅛-mile contest for three-year-olds and upward, earning the biggest victory of his North American career.
“To win a Grade 1 is a good feeling. I’m really happy for that,” Gonzalez said after the race.
The victory was another important step in a productive season for the 35-year-old Puerto Rico native, whose patient progression through the American racing circuit has now brought him to the forefront of major competition.
Edwin Gonzalez Seizes His Grade 1 Opportunity
Forged Steel broke well and quickly secured a prominent position behind the early pace set by Taif. Gonzalez kept the Joseph trainee close through the opening turn and along the backstretch before making his decisive move approaching the far turn.
Once in front, Forged Steel continued strongly and never surrendered the advantage.
“I got my position from the first jump. I wanted to keep my position on the first turn,” Gonzalez explained. “When I got the jump on the horse, I knew my horse would be tough to beat.”
The result also reflected Joseph’s confidence in the horse following a less successful outing in the Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar on August 22. Forged Steel had finished seventh that afternoon after racing close to the pace, but his trainer elected to keep him in the Goodwood Stakes.
That decision was rewarded with a convincing performance.
Forged Steel had already shown an affinity for Santa Anita earlier in the year, winning the Hollywood Gold Cup (G2) on May 25 by 9½ lengths under Flavien Prat. The four-year-old son of Vekoma was subsequently fifth in the Suburban (G2) at Saratoga before returning to California for the Pacific Classic.
The Goodwood victory marked a strong return to form and gave Gonzalez his first Grade 1 success in North America.
A Breakthrough Moment for a Seasoned Rider
For Gonzalez, the achievement was the latest chapter in a career built through persistence.
His first three mounts came at Calder Race Course in South Florida in the autumn of 2009. He then returned to Puerto Rico, where he established himself as a leading rider at Camarero.
Gonzalez went on to record more than 400 victories there, including a Grade 1 Puerto Rico success aboard Guadalquivir in the 2011 Clasico Dia del Veterano.
His return to the United States eventually led to his first stateside victory aboard Art Series at Penn National on August 15, 2013. He subsequently became one of the leading riders at the Pennsylvania track, recording win percentages above 30 percent in both 2019 and 2020.
In March 2021, Gonzalez moved his base to Gulfstream Park. He quickly found success, visiting the winner’s circle aboard Phat Man for trainer Kent Sweezey.
Since then, he has established himself as a consistent presence on the South Florida circuit, regularly recording more than 100 victories in a season.
His partnership with Joseph has now added an important new dimension to that career.
Gonzalez recently guided Kerry’s Kiss to victory in the Princess Rooney (G3) at Gulfstream, a seven-furlong contest for fillies and mares. He is scheduled for further major opportunities with Joseph later in the season, including two Grade 1 assignments at Keeneland on October 31.
“Saffie has always given me opportunities. I’m blessed,” Gonzalez said. “I thank Saffie and all the owners for their support.”
The Goodwood Stakes victory, however, stands apart. It was the performance that finally placed Gonzalez firmly among the riders making their mark on North America’s biggest racing stages.
For a jockey who began his career with just three mounts in South Florida before returning home to build his craft, the Grade 1 breakthrough at Santa Anita represents a significant milestone — and a reward for years of steady work.
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