Amonte Jr. takes over as trainer

He's the new trainer for Paraneck Stable which includes a Derby favorite.
NEW YORK (AP) -- Frank Amonte Jr. is a perfect example of being in the right place at the right time: In a matter of months, the unsung horseman has gone from exercise rider to assistant trainer to the trainer of a Kentucky Derby prospect.
Last week, Amonte replaced Jennifer Pedersen as the trainer for Ernie Paragallo's Paraneck Stable, about 50 horses strong. Among them is Achilles of Troy, one of the favorites in Saturday's Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct.
The 11/16-mile Gotham is a steppingstone to the May 6 Derby. A promising effort and it's on to the Wood Memorial next month before Achilles of Troy is shipped to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby.
Waiting a lifetime
Pretty heady stuff for a 47-year-old guy from Brooklyn who's been waiting a lifetime to call himself a trainer. He's still a bit stunned by the turn of events that landed him a job he's dreamed about since he was 7 years old, when his father, jockey Frank Amonte Sr., first put him on a horse.
"It's all amazing," Amonte said. "I was surprised when Ernie asked me. He wanted to know if I had workman's comp and insurance and when I said yes, he said, 'You're my trainer.' I was blown out by it."
The move was a surprising one in racing circles, too. Paragallo and Pedersen formed a solid team for several years, winning stakes with the likes of Griffinite (Lafayette, 2001) and New York Hero (Lane's End, 2003). Pedersen also broke horses for Paragallo, including 2002 Belmont Stakes winner Sarava, who was sold before the horse started racing.
While Pedersen has been listed on racing programs as the official trainer of Achilles of Troy, it's been Amonte who's been handling the 3-year-old colt as he was winning his last three races, including the Count Fleet by 14 lengths and the Whirlaway by 43/4 lengths. Amonte's name will be listed Saturday.
Why hire an untested trainer for one of New York's leading stables?
"He's a hard working guy, he's dedicated," Paragallo said. "He's impressed me with his work ethic, and to be honest, I'm not that impressed with most of the other trainers."
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