The barrier draw might not have been favourable, but a talented Queenslander is expected to make a difference at Ipswich.
Paula Barron, a notable figure in Australian racing as both a pioneering female jockey and a Group 1-winning trainer, has accomplished much in her career. Overcoming difficulties is part of the journey, and while this may not be her most significant challenge, ‘bad barriers’ continue to be a persistent pet hate.
Six-year-old mare Music Fever, one of seven horses currently in training with Barron, will be having her second start of the campaign in the Fertpro Class 2 Handicap (1200m) at Ipswich on Thursday, jumping 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,” said Barron, who is based on the Gold Coast.
“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 impressed when winning first-up at Beaudesert on September 17, running on strongly over 1200m. This victory brought the mare’s record to four wins and three placings from twelve career starts.
In her early days as a rider, Barron was one of just two female jockeys racing against men in the Northern Territory. Upon transitioning to training, a horse named Crush provided a career highlight with a win in the Group 1 Goodwood Handicap (1200m) in 1991.
Barron is pleased that Bella Youngberry, a rising star in the Queensland riding ranks, will again be 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 to impress this season with 20 wins and 32 placings, achieving a 20% winning strike rate.
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