Florida-bred Hooh Why held off a late charge from Indian Apple Is to capture Saturday’s Grade 3, $161,500 Seaway Stakes at Woodbine.
For the four-year-old daughter of Cloud Hopping, the seven-furlong event was her first added-money score since the La Lorgnette Stakes, at Woodbine last May. Jockey Emile Ramsammy, who also guided her in the La Lorgnette, was back in the irons for the successful Seaway steer. Hooh Why is trained by Donald MacRae and is owned by Derby Daze Farm, Mark Hoffman and Earl Trostrud.
“Mark (Hoffman) and I are friends,” said MacRae. “He was leaving her up here for a bit and he had to go out of town. He left her with me. Mark and I talk every day. I kept her under his program. I just had to keep her happy. She’s a classy filly.”
Hooh Why’s performance was an improvement from her fourth-place finish in the Belle Mahone (Aug. 22) and more reminiscent of the form she showed when claiming the Grade 1 Ashland at Keeneland in 2009. In the middle of a hot pace battle (:22.86 and :44.81) from the outset, the chestnut fended off an outside challenge from even-money favorite Tribal Belle. Turning for home and into the teeth of a fierce headwind, a bid came from second-choice Mother Russia, who had enjoyed a stalking trip. Hooh Why continued to hold her ground and maintain her advantage.
A stretch move from Indian Apple Is also was to no avail, as Hooh Why stayed on to the wire for the 1 3/4-length tally. Mother Russia was third.
Hooh Why covered seven furlongs in 1:23.51. The filly is now 6-for-22 with over $750,000 in earnings.
Hooh Why returned $15.50, $5.50 and $3.80, combining with Indian Apple Is ($4.70, $3.20) for a $63.20 exactor. Mother Russia ($3.40) rounded out a triactor worth $260.10.
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