Grebeni will line up in the Civic Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday, a change of plans that co-trainer Sterling Alexiou believes could work in the gelding’s favour.

Initially, the stable had earmarked next weekend’s Tattersall’s Mile (1600m) at Eagle Farm as Grebeni’s next outing, but concerns over track conditions prompted a reassessment.

“It wasn’t really the plan to run this Saturday. He was going to go to Eagle Farm (Saturday week) and run in the Tatt’s Mile, but we were just a little bit concerned about how the track there walked and how it raced last week,” Alexiou said.

“The drying track (at Randwick) is a big tick for him. He raced well the other day but he is certainly better on top of the ground.”

Grebeni has shown solid form this preparation, including a runner-up finish in the Muswellbrook Cup which ensured his qualification for the Big Dance, and a third-place effort in the Scone Cup.

Most recently, the five-year-old finished second to Loch Eagle over 1600m at Randwick, and Alexiou feels the slight drop in trip won’t be a concern this weekend.

“Probably his best form is around the mile but he’s well suited Saturday and you can expect another consistent run from him,” Alexiou said.

“When he’s in a good vein of form he seems to be consistent and hold his form.”

Dylan Gibbons retains the ride and will jump from barrier five, a draw that gives them plenty of tactical options.

While Grebeni hasn’t won since December last year, he’s remained a regular feature in the finish, placing in five of his last nine starts.

“It has been a while, but even this preparation he has won close to $100,000 without winning a race and hopefully another win isn’t far away.”