Co-trainer Mitch Beer is starting to fully understand the frustration the talented Onerous caused his previous trainers.
After two stints with Hawkes Racing and one with Chris Waller in between, Onerous has had four starts for Beer and training partner Max Hinton.
The now six-year-old backs up after finishing fourth over 1200m at Pakenham last week in the Ladbrokes Handicap (1440m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
“I can certainly see why he’s been a frustrating horse for other people,” Beer said.
“He’s a horse that needs a hell of a lot to go his way in his races.”
At Pakenham, in a field of eight, Onerous gave the leaders an eight-length start before being beaten 1-3/4 lengths.
Saturday will be the first time Onerous has raced on a quick back-up and Beer said he only considered the option because the gelding had recovered so well from his latest outing.
“I went through his form and he’s never really been backed up before,” Beer said.
“I was going to tip him out and bring him back for winter because he handles the wet tracks but he’s pulled up so well and is rock-hard fit.
“We haven’t had to do a lot with him and fortunately down here at Mornington we can take him to the beach and keep the freshness in him.
“If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work, but I’m certainly not afraid to try.”
Apprentice Zac Spain will take 2kg off the back of Onerous who will carry 52.5kg.
With the calibre of horse around at this time of the year he gets in well at the weights, so we’ll have another throw at the stumps,” Beer said.
Onerous is an $8.50 chance in an open betting race headed by the Darren Weir-trained Ozi Choice at $4.60.
