Breeders' Cup: Mr. Commons, Harmonious prep for Shirreffs

Friday at Hollywood Park, Mr. Commons and Harmonious had their next-to-last works for their respective Breeders’ Cup races. Both are trained by John Shirreffs, who guided Zenyatta through her sensational career.

Although both are pointing for grass races, they worked on the synthetic Cushion Track surface at Hollywood, where Shirreffs is based. Mr. Commons worked five furlongs in 59.60 seconds, the third-best time of 35 at the distance, while Harmonious went seven furlongs in 1:25.20, the best time of four at the distance.

Mr. Commons, who went alone, “worked very well,” Shirreffs said by phone, “and equally so Harmonious,” who went in company.

Mr. Commons will face Goldikova and Gio Ponti in the Breeders’ Cup Mile, while Harmonious is headed to the Filly and Mare Turf.

Another Filly and Mare Turf candidate, Cozi Rosie, worked six furlongs in 1:13.40 at Hollywood Park for trainer John Sadler.