THE stable has enjoyed a nice flow of winners in Gauteng this winter and a double at Turffontein Saturday saw the seasonal tally rise to 126 for a 17% winning strike rate, the best in the land.

Make Me Happy.

Make Me Happy was confidently tipped by assistant trainer Clayton Matthee in the pre-race interviews and this recently improved filly won another good race for Dubai-based Mohammed Khaleel.

Make Me Happy won a MR92 Handicap over 1450m under Tshwaro Appie, who grabbed his chance and rode a good race, denying young apprentice Luke Ferraris the winners of all four legs of the Jackpot by beating the youngster’s mount, Dame Kelly, in a close finish.

Gimme Hope Johanna.

Gimme Hope Johanna, racing in a MR66 Handicap over 1450m under Randall Simons, set a faster time than her stablemate and on the evidence of this win can go in again for owner Valerie Koterba.

Mike de Kock commented: “I can’t recall when last I saw our horses looking so good at this time of winter. I looked around the paddock last week and they are all in very good shape and they’re running accordingly, well done to the team.”

Mike added: “Make Me Happy had the form to win, but Gimme Hope Johanna surprised me. I thought she had an upset chance, but she was impressive in drawing so well clear.”