Fame has come at a cost for struggling Sonntag, yet trainer Henry Dwyer is certain last year's Queensland Derby winner still has something to offer.

Sonntag has been paying the price for winning last year's Derby, but after some less-than-flattering runs in provincial Cup races the stayer is starting to earn some sympathy from the handicapper.

The four-year-old has 59.5kg in the Macau Handicap (2800m) at Flemington on Saturday but will carry 57.5kg after in-form apprentice Michael Dee's claim.

Dwyer said a first-up win in the Sale Cup in the spring had also counted against Sonntag regaining form in the autumn.

"We've had to run him in a number of unsuitable races just to get to his right distance and his right class by getting his rating down a bit," Dwyer said.

"He's now in a position where he's ready to be competitive in something and the 2800 metres suits ideally.

"He can then can go to the Andrew Ramsden (over 3200m) two weeks after that.

"He needs a big open track which Flemington is and over 2800 metres he should be able to settle closer to the pace and grind away as he does."

Following the 3200m Andrew Ramsden Stakes at Flemington on May 23 Dwyer said Sonntag was likely to go for a spell.

"There's not many options for a horse like him," Dwyer said.

"We're just hoping to win a race somewhere."

Sonntag is an $11 chance with Sabor A Triunfo from the Peter and Paul Snowden stable the $3.80 favourite.

Sabor A Triunfo has gone winless in six starts since beating Black Jag over 1600m at Randwick in July.

But the imported mare's two Melbourne runs have given every indication she is ready to break through for her high-profile OTI Racing syndicate.