Written Tycoon Filly Stakes her Claim for the Black Opal

Mark Smith - Friday February 19

The Written Tycoon filly Pretty Woman boosted the chances of a locally trained horse winning the Black Opal when she led every step of the way in the Black Opal Preview (1000m) at Canberra on Friday.

Pretty Woman was sent off favourite following a two and a half length romp over the same track and distance when making her career debut on February 5.

Advertisement

Ridden by Alysha Collett for trainer Matthew Dale, Pretty Woman was untroubled to defeat the $260,000 Zoustar debutant Glistening by one and three-quarter lengths with the $725,000 Snitzel colt Bruckner four lengths back in third at his debut.

A homebred for Love Racing, Pretty Woman is the second foal and second winner out of the Not A Single Doubt mare Undoubted Pleasure.

The winner of a 1000m maiden at Gosford in 10 starts, Undoubted Pleasure was purchased by James Harron Bloodstock for $100,000 at the 2016 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.

Her first foal Johnny Boss was purchased for $310,000 by Ciaron Maher Bloodstock at the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Johnny Boss won at his career debt at Pakenham last May but has not been seen since finishing sixth of 11 behind Valaquenta at Caulfield three weeks later.

Matthew Dale flagged that Pretty Woman was impressing him by purchasing her half-brother by Capitalist for $55,000 at this years Magic Millions.

A half-sister to South African Group II winner and dual Group 1 runner-up Zodiac Ruler (Zoffany) and Group III Typhoon Tracy Stakes winner Almighty Girl (Beneteau), Undoubted Pleasure is a granddaughter of the blue hen Procrastinate.

Written Tycoon

Advertisment

Race Result - Black Opal Preview 1000m

Canberra Track: Good(4) Time: 0:56.50
1
Pretty Woman
- 2f Written Tycoon (AUS) x Undoubted Pleasure (AUS) (Not A Single Doubt (AUS))
Tnr: Matthew Dale Rdr: A B Collett 55
2
1.8
Glistening
- 2f Zoustar (AUS) x Beethog (AUS) (Shovhog (AUS))
Tnr: R & M Freedman Rdr: Jean Van Overmeire 55
3
5.8
Bruckner
- 2c Snitzel (AUS) x Jestajingle (AUS) (Lonhro (AUS))
Tnr: C Maher & D Eustace Rdr: N Rawiller 57
4
6.0
Miss Ostend
- 2f Zoustar (AUS) x Ningbo (AUS) (Star Witness (AUS))
Tnr: N F Gardner Rdr: M A Cahill 55
5
7.2
Vaaroom
- 2g Zebedee (GB) x Vee (AUS) (Sebring (AUS))
Tnr: K R Dryden Rdr: B Mc Dougall 57
6
7.3
Italian Informant
- 2g Spill The Beans (AUS) x Contessa Belle (AUS) (Count Albrecht (AUS))
Tnr: Edward Cummings Rdr: C Lever 57
7
7.6
Queen Of Dubai
- 2f Pride Of Dubai (AUS) x Jezzabba (AUS) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: Ms K O'Hara 55
8
8.5
Real Salty
- 2f Real Impact (JPN) x Saltator (AUS) (Testa Rossa (AUS))
Tnr: Natalie Jarvis Rdr: S Guymer 55
9
9.6
Super Riff
- 2g Super One (AUS) x Sweet Chimes (AUS) (Bel Esprit (AUS))
Tnr: N F Gardner Rdr: J Penza 57
10
9.9
Stratum Pride
- 2f Stratum Star (AUS) x Essie's Pride (AUS) (Murtajill (AUS))
Tnr: K R Dryden Rdr: Ms W Costin 55
11
10.7
Bombulla Boy
- 2g Bull Point (AUS) x Prevalence (AUS) (More Than Ready (USA))
Tnr: B Joseph & P & M Jones Rdr: P Scorse 57
12
11.0
Robin Sparkles
- 2f Vancouver (AUS) x Snippety Day (AUS) (Snippets (AUS))
Tnr: N J Osborne Rdr: Ms J Taylor 55
13
15.2
My Girona
- 2f Myboycharlie (IRE) x Girona (AUS) (Giant's Causeway (USA))
Tnr: N J Osborne Rdr: Simon Miller 55
More Reading...
Ones to Watch – Rosehill
In years to come when racing trivia nights are held, a question will be - what was the horse champion jockey Jett Newman rode in her first metropolitan race win?  And the answer is our One to Watch.
Sires With Winners - Saturday January 17
Here is the full list of 111 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
2026 NZB KARAKA YEARLING SALE PREVIEW – Sky Thoroughbred Central this Monday
Caroline Searcy’s extensive preview of the Centenary New Zealand National Sale will premiere on Sky Thoroughbred Central Monday night at 7.30pm AEDST. This is a must watch chance to see over ten percent of the Book 1 catalogue and a some select Book 2 yearlings as well, ahead of sale ground inspections this week and the Sale’s commencement on Sunday January 25.
King of Roseau Brings Full Circle Moment for Capitalist and Snowden
A decade after Peter Snowden won the Magic Millions 2YO Classic with Capitalist, the champion trainer saddled up the stallion’s son King Of Roseau to win the $2 million Magic Millions Cup (1400m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Hawker Hall Wins Last on Magic Day
James McDonald made the most of a late pick-up ride on Hawker Hall when he let the gelding rip from a wide barrier to run his rivals ragged in the $250,000 Magic Millions Class 6 Plate (1200m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Birchley Back to NZ for More Millions
Queensland trainer Liam Birchley is no stranger to success in the richest two-year-old race in New Zealand, the $1million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), and he is hoping to replicate the winning feeling next weekend as he prepares to line-up a pair of quality fillies in the Ellerslie dash for cash.
Via Sistina Retired - Dubawi Her First Mating
Chris Waller has announced the retirement of Champion mare Via Sistina after returning for her autumn campaign not “her normal highly energetic self”.
Geese That Lay Golden Eggs – What’s in the Future?
The 2026 Magic Millions Yearling Sale was highlighted by 15 yearlings that sold for $1million or more which was two more than last year when just 13 hit the magic mark, but still considerably down on 2024 which saw 23 millionaires sold following on from 20 in 2023.
Mulcaster Finds First Winner for Portland Sky
A Group I winning son of champion sire Deep Field, Widden Stud’s Portland Sky put his first winner on the board at Ascot on Saturday with a dominant debut victory for talented filly Daryte, who was purchased by Guy Mulcaster.
$270,000 Tagaloa Filly Tops Super Strong MM Book 2
A beautiful filly by Blue Diamond Stakes winner Tagaloa topped the final day of the 2026 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale when selling for $270,000.