Surround Stakes Tips – Tempted primed for Group 1 breakthrough
- Tempted leads the field with a strong Eskimo Prince win, aiming for her first Group 1 victory.
- Apocalyptic, Ole Dancer, and Panova pose significant challenges based on past performance.
- Sunrays offers value betting, with potential strong positioning just behind the speed.
2026 Surround Stakes Preview
The Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) brings together the elite three-year-old fillies at Randwick and sets up as a fascinating clash between established Group 1 performers and an emerging star.
- 2026 Surround Stakes Preview
- 2026 Surround Stakes Speed Map
- 2026 Surround Stakes Best Bet
- 2026 Surround Stakes Value Bet
Tempted stamped herself as the class runner with a dominant first-up win in the Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m), defeating the boys and closing off with the fastest last 400m and 200m of the race. Last prep she held her rating when third in some big feature races in the Golden Rose (1400m) and even filled the exacta behind champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising in The Everest. She looks to be crying out for 1400m in a fillies’ contest.
Apocalyptic, winner of the Flight Stakes, comes through the Light Fingers Stakes along with Savvy Hallie, Sunrays, Karinska and Queen Of Clubs. Savvy Hallie stuck on well in that race, with Apocalyptic looming large late.
Ole Dancer, the Thousand Guineas winner, worked home strongly when resuming over 1400m at Flemington in a race run at a crawl. She will be fitter and the Sydney way of going should suit if she can settle closer.
Panova is the intriguing runner, resuming after taking out the Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) last spring and likely building toward a Vinery Stud Stakes campaign.
This race has historically been a key stepping stone to bigger autumn targets and Saturday’s edition looks no different.
2026 Surround Stakes Speed Map
Tempted (2) should land just behind the speed from a soft draw. Sunrays (3) maps perfectly to settle on pace or box-seat. Apocalyptic (4) and Ole Dancer (5) will look to settle midfield within striking distance.
Savvy Hallie (6) may roll forward, while Panova (8) likely drifts back and looks to build into the race late.
The tempo looks genuine without being breakneck, suiting those stalking the speed.
2026 Surround Stakes Best Bet
Tempted is clearly the class runner. Her Eskimo Prince win was explosive and her previous Golden Rose and Everest form reads superbly against this field. She wants 1400m, maps to get the right run and brings superior ratings. With the extra week between runs this prep, she is primed to land her maiden Group 1.
2026 Surround Stakes Value Bet
Sunrays is the each-way play. She saved her best for 1500m last campaign when taking out the Show A Heart at Eagle Farm, going nearly 10 lengths faster than standard benchmark. Third-up she is primed and maps perfectly just behind the speed. Ole Dancer also appeals at odds, fitter second-up and strong at the end of 1400m, especially if she can be within striking distance turning for home.
Verdict
Surround Stakes Tips
Tempted (Best)
Win
@11/17 - 10 Units
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Sunrays
Place
@15/4 - 1 Unit
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