Henry Dwyer was relieved of some of the pressure he was feeling after Sonntag produced a strong staying performance at Flemington on Saturday.

Last year's Queensland Derby hero had been winless since taking out the Sale Cup first-up in October.

Sonntag was being aimed at the Sydney Cup but some lacklustre performances had Dwyer feeling the strain.

Finding his right class again and under a perfect ride by 2kg claiming apprentice Michael Dee, Sonntag ($9) dug deep to record a half-length win from Crafty Cruiser ($9) in the Macau Handicap over 2800m.

The Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (3200m) at Flemington on May 23 now beckons for the son of Teofilo who took his prize money past $500,000 with his fifth win from 16 starts.

"It's really pleasing to get him back on the winner's board," Dwyer said.

"We've had a long preparation where we haven't been competitive because we've had to run in unsuitable races because of his rating."

Dwyer said Sonntag had been competitive in races over shorter trips at his past two starts but hadn't been in a position to strike when ridden behind horses.

"Mickey Dee rode him perfectly to instructions," Dwyer said.

"A few of the senior jockeys tried pushing him back to the rail but he held his ground.

"The horse is a little bag of bones but he's so tough."