John Size continued his classic midseason march up the trainers’ championship table with a treble at Sha Tin, headlined by Super Express’ brilliant win in the Class Three Yan Chau Tong Handicap (1,400m).

By his own admission, it has been a slow campaign thus far for the reigning champion trainer, but he was always going to get his skates on as winter loomed and another three-timer has seen him jump up to fifth in the table.

It has left Size just 10 winners off the current leader Mark Newnham and although typically reserved, the 13-time champion must have his sights now firmly set on a 14th title.

“The middle of the winter is usually when we get a bit of a roll on. It’s been a bit slower this season but I’ll keep trying as always,” said Size.

Super Express has been a frustrating horse to follow in his career to date, as despite showing smart form in a winning debut, he has finished second in all four starts since and has been beaten at odds of $1.5, $2.2, $1.6 and $1.7 on his return from a lay-off two weeks ago.

He looks to be really getting his act together, however, after showing a willing attitude to get the better of an unlucky Six Pack and the fast-finishing Sunny Da Best after a wide trip early under Maxime Guyon.

Stepping up in distance should be no problem for the son of Ten Sovereigns in the future, but Size is remaining measured in his assessment of his up-and-comer.

“He wasn’t correct earlier in the season so I had to give him some time off. To his credit, he came back into training and was solid and sound as he came on through this preparation,” said Size.

“He’s been beaten four times, probably each time by nice horses, and today there were some good horses too but he’s a bit older, seasoned and had the run under his belt.

“He’s got a little bit to learn about his commitment as you can see; he needs more experience to see the races out correctly and there’s only one way to achieve that and it’s by racing.”

Crossborderdude looks another promising type for Size and he showed battling qualities for the first time to land section two of the Class Four Lam Tsuen Handicap (1,200m) under Zac Purton.

The El Roca galloper looked all over a winner on his start leading into this race, hitting the front strongly before letting the race slip in the concluding stages.

On Sunday, Purton had his mount travelling strongly throughout on the leader’s shoulder but after striking the front, he looked a sitting duck for Chill Partners, who got alongside him 200m from home.

Unlike his previous run, however, Crossborderdude showed real tenacity and fended off the challenge of Chill Partners in game fashion, prevailing by a neck.

“He fought out the finish today – previously he hadn’t done that but today maybe the shorter distance helped,” said Size.

“I think he’ll improve from this – his racing manners suggest that he’s got more in him so hopefully over time he’ll get a bit better.”

The day kicked off in perfect fashion for Size, with Master Lucky causing a $35.4 shock in the opening Class Four Clear Water Bay Handicap (1,000m).

It was a fourth win of the stint for jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, who gave the debuting Shamus Award galloper the perfect ride despite having to travel widest of the leading line of four throughout.

“The race worked out nicely for him. He didn’t have a horse to follow as such, but he had some horses around him and he got left in front at the right time; it was a good effort for a new horse,” said Size.

“I think there will be scope for him to step up in trip, but let’s see what he shows me at home first.”

McMonagle doubled up when Blazing Wukong charged to success in the Class Four Long Valley Handicap (1,600m) later on the card.