El Commodore Works for Clockers' Corner

Veteran grass course specialist El Commodore worked five furlongs on Santa Anita’s main track Monday in 1:01.40 for next Sunday’s $75,000 Clockers’ Corner Stakes for older horses at about 6 ½ furlongs on Santa Anita’s unique downhill course.

In 35 career starts, El Commodore has run on turf 31 times, winning six, finishing second seven times, and third on five occasions.

He was second by a half-length under Gary Stevens to Unbridled’s Note in the Grade III Daytona Stakes at about 6 ½ furlongs on turf in his most recent start, Dec. 28 at Santa Anita. In 21 races prior to that, none was shorter than one mile.

“I found a new niche for him, I think,” said Mike Machowsky, who trains the 7-year-old El Prado gelding. “He worked real good this morning, so we’re ready for next Sunday.”

Stevens retains the mount.