Although the draw has not been favourable, a rising star from Queensland is expected to make a significant impression at Ipswich.
Paula Barron, a trailblazer as one of Australia’s leading female jockeys and a Group 1-winning trainer, has achieved a great deal in her career. Navigating challenges is part of the territory, and while this may not be her greatest hurdle, ‘bad barriers’ continue to be a persistent annoyance for her.
Six-year-old mare Music Fever is one of seven horses Barron currently has in work and will start second-up in the Fertpro Class 2 Handicap (1200m) at Ipswich on Thursday from barrier nine.
“I’m hoping though I’m not 100% happy with the barrier but she is fit and healthy so I am hoping she can carry it forward,” the Gold Coast-based Barron commented.
“There doesn’t look to be a lot of speed in the race so she is better to sit off the pace a bit and then she’ll finish off a lot stronger. “I hate wider barriers.”
Music Fever won impressively when first-up at Beaudesert on September 17, running on strongly over 1200m. The victory lifted the mare’s record to four wins and three placings from twelve starts.
In her early riding days, Barron was one of only two female jockeys competing against male riders in the Northern Territory. Transitioning to training, a horse named Crush provided a career highlight with a win in the Group 1 Goodwood Handicap (1200m) in 1991.
This background makes Barron pleased to have Bella Youngberry, a prominent jockey in Queensland, back aboard Music Fever.
“I’ve got Bella on with a good weight (54-kilos after her apprentice claim),” Barron added. “I had her booked early and she had another ride and that changed which it to our advantage. She’s riding well and she rode Music Fever before at Murwillumbah so she knows her. I’m pretty sure the mare will listen and do her best.”
Youngberry has continued her impressive form this season, securing 20 wins and 32 placings, boasting a 20% winning strike rate.
Race enthusiasts might find value by exploring online bookmakers for the upcoming Ipswich races.