Grebeni’s path to Saturday’s Civic Stakes (1400m) at Randwick was a late shift in strategy, but co-trainer Sterling Alexiou believes it could be the right call.

The gelding was previously being aimed at the Tattersall’s Mile (1600m) at Eagle Farm, but recent concerns about track conditions prompted Alexiou and training partner Gerald Ryan to keep him in Sydney instead.

“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’s recent efforts include second place in the Muswellbrook Cup, which qualified him for the Big Dance, and third in the Scone Cup.

Despite dropping back slightly in distance this weekend, Alexiou isn’t worried about the 1400m trip.

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

Dylan Gibbons has been booked for the ride and will jump from gate five, which should give them every chance to position well in the run.

Grebeni’s last win came in December at Randwick, and while he hasn’t scored since, he’s consistently finished in the money, placing in five of his nine starts since that win.

“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.”