Vase Victory for Kong Fu Panda (NZ)

Previously a three-time placegetter at stakes level, Karaka graduate Kong Fu Panda (NZ) (Showcasing) broke through and collected his first black-type win in Sunday’s Perak Gold Vase (1100m) in Malaysia.

Kong Fu Panda was a $20,000 purchase from Book 2 of Karaka 2020, then was secured by Tiang Kim Choi for $38,000 at the Ready to Run Sale later that year. His 30-start career has now produced nine wins, 10 placings and more than 400,000 Malaysian ringgit – the equivalent of around NZ$140,000.

Runner-up in the Tunku Gold Cup (1200m) at Selangor in his previous appearance, the five-year-old gelding went one better in style on Sunday.

The Perak Gold Vase was run in waterlogged and rapidly deteriorating conditions, which caused the remaining four races on the card to be abandoned. Kong Fu Panda raced in midfield before accelerating impressively through the testing ground. He charged home down the outside of the track and took command in the final 50 metres, surging clear to win with ease.

Kong Fu Panda is one of four winners from four foals to race out of his dam Hermitage (NZ) (Generous). Kong Fu Panda’s full-brother Awesome (NZ) (Showcasing) was also a stakes performer, placing in the Singapore 3YO Sprint (1200m).

Kong Fu Panda became the second Ready to Run Sale graduate to win at stakes level over the weekend, following on from an impressive performance by 2023 sale-topper Megastar Heart (Star Turn) in Saturday’s Listed Oxlade Stakes (1300m) at Eagle Farm.

The 2024 edition of the Ready to Run Sale will be held at Karaka on November 20 and 21.