While the barrier draw for the Fertpro Class 2 Handicap (1200m) at Ipswich on Thursday may not be ideal, one of Queensland’s emerging talents is poised to make an impact.
Paula Barron, a distinguished figure in Australian racing as both a pioneering female jockey and a Group 1-winning trainer, has encountered numerous challenges throughout her career. Although not the most significant she’s faced, unfavourable starting positions remain a persistent frustration for her.
The six-year-old mare, Music Fever, is one of seven horses currently under Barron’s care. She will contest the 1200-metre handicap at Ipswich on Thursday, her second start this campaign, 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,” Gold Coast-based Barron stated.
“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 secured a promising victory when resuming at Beaudesert on September 17, demonstrating a strong finishing effort over 1200 metres. This win marked her fourth career triumph and third placing from twelve starts.
In her formative years as a jockey, Barron was among a select group of women competing against male riders in the Northern Territory. Her training career saw a significant highlight with the Group 1 Goodwood Handicap (1200m) victory by Crush in 1991.
Given this background, Barron is delighted to have Bella Youngberry, a rising star in the Queensland riding scene, 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 to impress this season, accumulating 20 wins and 32 placings, achieving a commendable 20% winning strike rate.
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