Thinning Out the Field for Dec. 15 Derby

Four derby winners will be trying to qualify for a shot at another tonight.

Check Him Out, who has won the PCQHRA Breeders and Golden State derbies; La Primera Del Ano Derby winner Mini Rock, El Primero Del Ano Derby hero Harley Man, and Los Alamitos Winter Derby winner Panther Mountain are among 23 3-year-olds scheduled to run in three 400-yard trials for the Southern California Derby.

The 10 fastest will move to the $150,000 Derby on Dec. 15.

Tonight’s card also includes the $120,425 Daughters of the Desert Futurity for 3-year-old Arabian fillies at six furlongs and the $109,175 Drinkers of the Wind Futurity for 3-year-olds at the same distance.

Check Him Out, the beaten favorite in the Los Alamitos Derby on Nov. 1, is entered in the third trial.

The picks: 1. Cabaway. 2. Magical Nick. 3. Chicago Joe. 4. Montford. 5. More Adorable. 6. Qualidash. 7. Stellarr. 8. Ddf De Great Saiga. 9. Chicks Rapidash. 10. Check Him Out. 11. Classic Cleat.

Four! Use Cabaway and Brown Effort in the first, Magical Nick and Kooba Dash in the second, Flying Jeb and Chicago Joe in the third and Bw Beduina, Legend In Red, Montford and Go Joanna in the fourth.

Shots in the dark: Sey Proofs Fara got a feel for the track on Nov. 15 and could improve in the fifth. One Wish makes his local debut in the sixth.

Post Time: 6:30 p.m.

On the Net: For entries and results from Los Alamitos, visit: www.latimes.com/horseracing.