[Zope] Python Syntax within DTML

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Hello List.

I'm having a little trouble correctly referencing python within a DTML method.
I'm attempting to set some values using the dateclass class.

<input type='hidden' name='start_date' value='<dtml-var expr="date.toordinal()">'></input>

I'm just trying to get todays date in ordinal form, so that I can perform some manipulations upon it.

Do I need to use request.set or am I on the wrong tangent?

Thanks in advance

Julian