Brett Crawford aims to continue a fine start to his Hong Kong training career when he saddles a strong squad for Sha Tin on Sunday, including Lovero in the Class Three Primula Handicap (1,600m).

The 54-year-old has trained winners at three of the last four meetings, helping to propel him to 16 winners for the campaign, far surpassing pre-season expectations despite his stellar resume.

Crawford has made a name for himself by transforming transfers into his stable into winning machines and Lovero is the perfect showcase of that, winning second up for him at Sha Tin last month.

He was beaten three-quarters of a length when trying to follow up over course and distance three weeks later, only upstaged by Flying Luck who came lashing home from the rear of the field.

Crawford is hoping the best is yet to come from the Japanese import, who has drawn barrier seven under Harry Bentley.

“He’s really come good and looks great – his trackwork has been of a good standard. He’s gone up quite a bit in the ratings now, but I thought his last run was very creditable and I think he can run well again,” said Crawford.

“From the first time he arrived in the yard, I thought he was a horse who had a lot of scope. Running at this track, he clearly enjoys it and to be ridden to have a chance. I’m hoping we can still have plenty of fun with him.”

Crawford will also be hoping for a change of fortune with Conspirator in the Class Four Daffodil Handicap (1,000m) after a luckless run over course and distance three weeks ago.

Drawn against the rail in stall 14, the Daiwa Major galloper was sandwiched between horses at a crucial stage, with jockey Lyle Hewitson forced to sit and suffer for almost the entire straight.

The pair finished on the bridle without ever spying a gap and drawn slightly wider in stall five, Crawford will be hoping he can see some daylight on this occasion as he looks to take advantage of some good advice from Hollie Doyle.

“He just couldn’t find the gaps when he needed them last time, so he basically hit the line pretty much on the bridle. Hopefully he gets the opportunity for a clean run. If he does, I’m sure he will be competitive,” said Crawford.

“I think a lot of credit has to go to Hollie Doyle for his recent form – she rode him four starts back and suggested I drop him back to 1,000m and let him use himself. He’s run some good races since so a lot of credit goes her way.”

Best of the rest for Crawford is last-start winner Beauty Missile, who bids to follow up a Happy Valley win in the Class Five Jasmine Handicap (1,800m).

The son of Smart Missile was slammed in betting when making it sixth-time lucky since transferring to Crawford, lashing home to win by a head, and there should be far more to come according to his trainer.

“He’s been a bit of a frustrating horse to say the least. He shows tons of ability at home and is certainly working better than the class of race that he’s currently in,” said Crawford.

“It was good to see him put his head in front last start and I’m hoping it has done something for his confidence. Hopefully we’ve also found the right trip for him and I’m looking forward to seeing how he runs again over the distance.

“He’s a nice and scopey horse who stands over a lot of ground. Hugh [Bowman] gave him a great ride that day and hopefully he can do it again. At the end of the day, he’s a horse that has shown enough at home to not be ignored again.”