BOBMAR BREAKS THE CLOCK ON CLONMEL UNDERCARD

Peter Farrell

While the semi-finals of the National Produce Stakes served as the main attraction at Clonmel on Friday night, the undercard produced a performance of the highest quality as Bobmar shattered the 550-yard track record in the semi-finals of the Seven Beach @ Stud A2 550.

Trained by David Flanagan for The-Barrack-Street-Syndicate, Bobmar had long hinted at serious ability, highlighted by a brilliant 28.46 debut success around the Suirside venue. A stop-start career stalled his progression thereafter, but a near five-month lay-off appears to have rejuvenated the talented son of Dromana Bucko and Slaneyside Zoey. Although unable to make a major impact in the earlier rounds of the Produce Stakes, Bobmar emphatically showcased his class when lining out in the A2 contest. Drawn in trap five, he only broke on terms but immediately displayed electric pace on the long run to the bend, sweeping to the front with ease. Holding a five-length advantage over Smudge entering the back straight, Bobmar only extended his lead as he tore clear of the field approaching the three-quarter mark. Showing no signs of slowing, it quickly became apparent that something special was unfolding as he powered up the Clonmel hill to score by just shy of fourteen lengths. The clock returned a staggering 29.45, a full thirteen spots inside the previous track record held by Ardera Freya.