Rachel an impediment for Hooh Why's Oaks prospects

HOOH WHY (Cloud Hopping), who won the Ashland S. (G1) on April 4, remains at

Keeneland while co-owner Mark Hoffman decides where the filly will go next.

Hoffman had planned to send Hooh Why to Churchill Downs to work on Sunday, but

changed his mind because of heavy rains at the track that morning. Instead, he

worked the filly on Monday at Keeneland, where she covered five furlongs in 1:00

1/5.

"I almost took her back to the track this morning," Hoffman said Tuesday

about the filly he owns in partnership with Derby Daze Farm of breeder Gail Gee.

"She has so much energy. She's jumping and squealing."

Hoffman had said the Kentucky Oaks (G1) has been on the schedule for Hooh

Why, but he is in awe of the horse that will be the overwhelming favorite for

the race, RACHEL ALEXANDRA (Medaglia d'Oro). On Tuesday morning in the Keeneland

racing office, Hoffman watched a replay of Rachel Alexandra's six-length victory

in the Fantasy S. (G2) at Oaklawn Park from April 5. He said that was the first

time he had seen Rachel Alexandra perform.

"Believe me, I want to run in the Oaks, but I don't want to run against

Rachel Alexandra," Hoffman said, noting the two fillies' front-running styles.

"She's a monster. She's won on dirt; my filly hasn't."

While not completely ruling out a run in the Oaks for Hooh Why, Hoffman is

also considering stakes next month at Arlington Park or at Woodbine. He also

said he would like to try her on the turf.

"She needs a race," Hoffman said. "She's ready to run."