Ole Dancer primed for Surround Stakes distance

Hall of Fame trainer Peter Moody refrained from boldly claiming Ole Dancer would overcome Tempted in Saturday's Surround Stakes, but a key element has him upbeat about the filly's outlook.

Sired by Ole Kirk, the filly aims for another Group 1 success in Randwick's 1400-metre feature, building on her win in the 1600m Thousand Guineas from last spring.

In her only try beyond 1200m, Tempted lost as the heavy favourite in last year's Golden Rose (1400m), with Moody indicating a solid gate would help Ole Dancer capitalise post her first-up second at 1400m in the Desirable Stakes.

"The good thing about my girl is she's going to be strong at the end of 1400, isn't she?," Moody said.

"I just hope we draw a barrier, that's the main thing.

"The other day we had to go back from seven, you don't want to have to go back from 10 or 12 and give it (Tempted) a start. I'd rather be three in front of it on the turn than three behind it."

Although untested in Sydney's racing style, Ole Dancer pleased Moody and training partner Katherine Coleman with a right-handed gallop at Pakenham last Saturday morning.

The Surround Stakes mount goes to Zac Lloyd, who replaces suspended jockey Luke Nolen.

Ole Dancer was piloted by Nolen in the Desirable Stakes, rallying from the rear to go down by 2-1/2 lengths to Sass Appeal with 59.5kg, which Moody views as a strong launchpad for what's next.

"Had she had a run under her belt we would have rolled forward and sat outside her (Sass Appeal) and we would have beat it like we did with Apocalyptic (in the Guineas)," Moody said.

"But because she hadn't had the run, you've got to be mindful of where you're going and she ran enormous."

In all-in Surround Stakes wagering, Ole Dancer is third at $8, trailing Tempted ($1.50) and Apocalyptic ($4.50).

Head to the online bookmakers to find the best betting markets for the Surround Stakes.