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...
Breeding to Win - 2026 G1 Surround Stakes
The $750,000 Group I ATC Surround Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday brings together the best three year old fillies in Australia, so who are the top chances? 
Timing is Everything - Newhaven Park Present Streisand Half-Brother
When entries were taken for the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale last year a colt by Star Witness from Zouper Star was hardly seen as a standout offering, but events of the last six months will have this youngster as one of the must inspect horses of the sale.
Fast Track 2026/27 Launches Nationally: Applications Now Open
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) has officially launched applications for the 2026/27 Fast Track program — a nationally recognised traineeship designed to build the next generation of thoroughbred breeding professionals.
One to Watch – Canterbury
Extreme Choice was a brilliant sprinter and has thrown his share of brilliant sprinters, but as with great champion sires of the past, he can also get a stayer such as Melbourne Cup hero Knight’s Choice and VRC Oaks winner She’s Extreme.
Anamoe Breeding Right Sold for $450,000
The Inglis Digital February (late) Sale that concluded on Wednesday has a new top lot with Inglis announcing a breeding right to Anamoe has now been sold.
Opportunities Present as Latest Magic Millions Digital Sale Opens
Bidding is now open the latest Magic Millions Digital Sale (27 February-4 March) with great opportunities across all ages and categories.
First Winner for Tiger of Malay
Newgate Farm is home to champion sire Extreme Choice and also his promising young sire son Tiger of Malay, who broke the ice with his first winner at Canterbury on Friday night.
The Story of Surround - Best 3YO Filly Ever
The only Group I race in Australia for three year-old fillies run at less than a mile, the $750,000 Group I ATC Surround Stakes (1400m) is named in honour of the only three year-old filly to ever win a Cox Plate, so who was she?
Kingsclere seeking another Derby with Ocean Park Filly
Kingsclere Stables have an exciting week ahead of them, with promising mare She’s A Dealer shooting for black-type at Trentham on Sunday, while six days later the Cambridge barn will hold a strong hand in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m).
Sires With Winners - Thursday February 26
Here is the full list of 29 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.