Goodgollytizmolly seeks breakthrough after promising debut

ARCADIA, Calif. – Siblings to Grade 1 winners naturally begin careers with high hopes, and the runner-up debut by Goodgollytizmolly suggests those hopes are justified.

Goodgollytizmolly, by Clubhouse Ride and a sibling to retired millionaire sprinter The Chosen Vron, makes her second start Friday in the featured seventh race at Santa Anita. Ian Kruljac trains Goodgollytizmolly, who showed plenty first out, though she lost by more than five lengths.

“It was a really great schooling for her,” Kruljac said. “My dad always gave them the first race, so I’ve adopted that.”

Ian Kruljac was referring to Eric Kruljac, co-owner, co-breeder, and trainer of The Chosen Vron. The gelding won 19 races and more than $1.7 million from 25 starts before he retired last year to Kingfisher Farms in Solvang, Calif. Goodgollytizmolly, meanwhile, is just getting started.

Goodgollytizmolly faces eight others Friday in the seventh race, a 5 1/2-furlong dash for 3-year-old maiden fillies bred in California. The maiden sprint is the top race on an eight-race card with seven claiming or claiming-caliber races, including a starter allowance that is race 8.

Despite her pedigree and promising debut, Goodgollytizmolly is hardly a standout Friday. Her rivals include second-time starter Goje; well-bred firster Another Zero and her stablemate Have Style; and debut runner-up Tate Batz.

Goodgollytizmolly is further challenged by the inside post.

“The one-hole’s obviously a concern,” Ian Kruljac said. “She’s a pretty big filly, and five and a half [furlongs], she’ll probably be giving them some lengths.”

It already happened first out when Goodgollytizmolly hopped, broke last, rolled into contention, split rivals, and rallied to second.

Since then, Goodgollytizmolly has posted two works and acts like she will move forward.

“She’s on her toes, but she’s pretty cool and calm, and nice and relaxed [schooling] in the gate,” said Kruljac, who schooled Goodgollytizmolly in the auxiliary gate early this week and planned additional schooling in the main gate Wednesday and/or Thursday.

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Hector Berrios rides Goodgollytizmolly, whose ownership is similar to The Chosen Vron – retired trainer Eric Kruljac, Robert Fetkin, and Richard Thornburgh. Goodgollytizmolly is the 3-1 program favorite Friday.

Another Zero is listed at 7-2. A firster trained by Antonio Garcia, Another Zero is by I’ll Have Another and was produced by stakes winner How About Zero. Juan Hernandez rides.

Goje finished third in her debut, more than two lengths behind Goodgollytizmolly. Prior to her debut, Goje worked like a filly who would need a debut prep. George Papaprodromou trains Goje. Her new rider is Edwin Maldonado, who is taking over for injured jockey Umberto Rispoli.

Others in the maiden race are Cammy’s Girl, Genuine Grace, Christa McAuliffe, and Lady Ruth.

◗ Trainer Bob Hess Jr. holds the strongest hand Friday at Santa Anita. He entered five runners in three races, including three program favorites – even-money dropper Aloha Dreamin in race 5, Candy Bar in race 6, and Trusty Rusty in race 8.

◗ The stakes Saturday at Santa Anita are the Grade 2 San Pasqual, a 1 1/8-mile dirt race with Midnight Mammoth and Getaway Car; and the Grade 3 Megahertz, a turf mile for fillies and mares that includes Vibez and Public Assembly.

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