Vavavoom too fast, rules PSA Cup

MANILA, Philippines — Vavavoom, with Andrew “Dodong” Villegas on top, was a cut above the rest in topping the rain-drenched PSA Cup stakes race last Sunday at the Metro Turf in Malvar, Batangas Sunday.

The four-year-old bay filly’s magnificence was on full display in the 1.4-kilometer race.

Vavavoom exploded out of the gates and sustained a torrid pace in winning by five lengths with a clocking of one minute and 25.8 seconds.

The Dan Camañero-saddled Lucky Lea, CP Henson-ridden Biglang Buhos and JA Guce-mounted Denueis Son settled for crumbs, winding up second to fourth places, respectively.

Vavavoom was trained by maestro Ruben Tupas, and raced for multi-titled horse owner and breeder Sandy Javier.

“Hindi na ako masyado na-surprise kasi lahat ng prestigious races naipanalo ko,” said Tupas, a recipient of multiple Trainer of the Year awards.

The proceeds of the race will go to the charity programs of the Philippine Sportswriters Association headed by The Philippine STAR sports editor Nelson Beltran.

“This annual benefit race is for the PSA and we’re here to partner with the sportswriting community and support their advocacies,” said Philracom president Reli de Leon, who was accompanied in the awarding ceremony by his acting executive director Ronaldo Corpuz and MMCTI’s race manager Rondy Prado.