In a change of plans, Lankan Rupee has already arrived in Sydney ahead of his TJ Smith Stakes defence.

Trainer Mick Price sent to star sprinter to Sydney overnight after deciding the gelding would have his final gallop at Randwick on Wednesday instead of Caulfield on Tuesday morning.

"I thought I would work him on a Wednesday and just give him the one gallop so he's going to work on the dirt at Randwick (tomorrow)," Price said.

"I didn't think he needed to gallop here (at Caulfield) on the inside grass."

Lankan Rupee goes into Saturday's $2.5 million race after a disappointing Newmarket Handicap run when he finished sixth as favourite.

He was later diagnosed with a torn, superficial off-front pectoral muscle and some stifle inflammation.

Price said the six-time Group One winner had bounced back well after seeming a little unhappy for a few days after the Newmarket.

While Price believes Lankan Rupee has recovered from the chest issue after chiropractic work, he said the true test would come in the weight-for-age sprint.

"His action is good. So it's something that you're not going to really find out until you put the acid on him on raceday when they've got to really hit out and savage the line," Price said.

"But I think he's pretty good."

The TJ Smith Stakes has attracted a field of 11 with Lankan Rupee drawing barrier four.

He shares the third line of betting with Group One Galaxy winner Sweet Idea at $6.

Chautauqua, runner-up in the Darley Classic and Newmarket Handicap, is the $2.60 favourite ahead of Terravista who won the Darley Classic and was third first-up in the Newmarket.

Lankan Rupee galloped at Caulfield on Saturday and will be ridden in the TJ Smith by his regular jockey Craig Newitt.

Price said this year's Newmarket was run slower than expected and he thinks Newitt has to find the right medium to give Lankan Rupee his best chance.

"He (Lankan Rupee) doesn't go well when he's too held up. I don't need to be the bunny but there's a balance between being the bunny and having him too held up," he said.

"He should be right. He goes well in Sydney and the reverse way."

The prospect of a rain-affected track does not faze Price given Lankan Rupee led and won convincingly in heavy going last year.

"But it's probably a better race this year," he added.