John Size is back in business. After producing just five wins from the first 27 meetings of the season, the 12-time champion Hong Kong trainer added to his Happy Valley double on Wednesday night with a dominant four-timer at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Grand Nova and Beauty Alliance handed Size a race-to-race double, Stellar Express claimed a minor upset in the Class Two Lukfook Jewellery Cup (1,000m) and Mickley provided the icing on the cake in the final race to storm to the top of Classic Series calculations.

“We had to be patient and had to wait, but it came,” Size said.

“As long as it keeps turning, you’re OK. I’ve been a bit slow out of the gate this season because our horses had to have a break [over summer], but they’re starting to show some form now. Hopefully it will continue on.”

Stellar Express finally broke through for his first Hong Kong win after six placings from his first 11 starts in the city.

Starting a $6.7 chance, the former French sprinter was fired straight to the front by Brenton Avdulla and maintained a strong gallop to prove too slick for his rivals.

He scored by a length and a quarter from I Give, stopping the clock at 55.90 seconds - about a length inside standard time.

James Tak was third while Fast Network, the raging $1.3 favourite, could only manage fourth after he was hampered badly at the start.

Stellar Express was a three-time winner in France for Francis-Henri Graffard when known as Dariym.

“He was good, he’s obviously been busting to win one,” Avdulla said. “I’d only had two rides on him and he ran well both times but hadn’t been able to get the job done.

“I think the blinkers have really helped, he was able to find the outside fence, controlled the gallop and he was tough. He responded really well.”

Grand Nova kick-started Size’s day with a thrilling win in the Class Four Lukfook Jewellery Love Is Beauty Collection Handicap (1,000m) under James McDonald.

Tracking the speed in fourth position, the Vancouver four-year-old launched late down the centre of the track to run down Circuit Jolly by a neck.

“He won well. He’s been very consistent and he deserved to win another race,” Size said after Grand Nova landed his second triumph at start eight.

“Today he found one that was suitable for him.”

Beauty Alliance bagged his first victory at start five, storming home from second last along the inside rail to claim the Class Four Lukfook Jewellery Goldstyle Handicap (1,600m) for Zac Purton.

“He was probably a little bit too young last preparation but now that he’s a bit stronger, he’s developed a bit and he’s in a position to go on with it,” Size said after Beauty Alliance easily accounted for Solid Win by a length and a quarter.

“He just needs the 1,600m. It was a nice win today. He’s had every opportunity. He did no work at all on the inside and then it looks like everything’s opened up for him and he’s taken advantage of it.”

Mickley stamped his credentials as a legitimate four-year-old series contender with a fast-finishing triumph in the Class Three Lukfook Jewellery Dear Q Handicap (1,600m) under Hugh Bowman.

After an eye-catching fourth on his Hong Kong debut, the former British galloper launched a powerful run along the inside rail from well back to beat Australian Group One performer Cap Ferrat by a neck.

Mickley won three in a row in the United Kingdom, including Royal Ascot’s Britannia Stakes (1,600m), before joining Size and the Classic Mile next month is firmly in his sights.

“I understand he hunted the rail and didn’t go around a horse, but still he had to find the acceleration and pick up,” Size said.

“His manners are good, he seems to have settled in to Hong Kong quite quickly and he should have a bright future.”