Frankie Lor Fu-chuen is hoping the step up to 1,200m will ensure Dream Winner makes a swift return to top form four weeks after he was the shortest-priced favourite to miss a place this season.

Undefeated from three starts in his debut campaign, Dream Winner jumped awkwardly as the $1.3 hotpot in his first Class Two assignment on September 17 and never really looked like continuing his streak.

After fading to finish last of five – a length and a half off the victorious Kurpany – Lor and jockey Vincent Ho Chak-yiu agreed the four-year-old “would derive benefit from the performance”.

After beating home California Spangle in a 1,200m all-weather trial last week, Dream Winner will need that added fitness as he attempts to overcome gate 12 in Sunday’s Class Two Lek Yuen Handicap (1,200m).

“I think the 1,200m will be suitable. Even though he won three times at 1,000m last season, he looked like a little bit further should be good. This season, for his first start, I kept him to the 1,000m, but he looked like he needed further, so we’ll try the 1,200m,” Lor said, confirming he expects better from his exciting youngster this weekend.

“His last run wasn’t too bad – he was only beaten by one and a half lengths. He looks better now, and I hope he can start winning again.”

Lor also saddles Lucky With You in a hot race featuring the likes of Packing Treadmill, Nordic Dragon and Flying Ace, with the six-year-old having his first start for the 57-year-old after five wins from 20 runs for David Hayes.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Money Catcher represents Lor in the afternoon’s feature, the Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m).

Twice a Group Three winner last season, Money Catcher will be set for another tilt at the Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) in December after running third in the HK$36 million race last year.

“We’ll try to get him to another Hong Kong Cup – the 2,000m is good for him. He’s been so consistent, so hopefully, he’s got another big season in him,” Lor said of his HK$19 million earner.

Lor also takes Free Foal, Run Run Cool and Flamingo Trillion to the races this weekend, with jockey Derek Leung Ka-chun giving the latter a push ahead of his clash with horses like Taj Dragon, Joyful Hunter and Excellent Fighter in the Class Three Mei Tin Handicap (1,400m).

“I think he’s got a good chance. I galloped him today, and he’s improving. I think he’s a mile or maybe even a 1,800m horse, but 1,400m should be OK fresh,” Leung said of Flamingo Trillion.

“He’s drawn OK, and he’s a handy horse with a light weight. It’s a strong field, but he’s always there – he never stops.”