Rockin The Ship Looks for Smooth Sailing

Unbeaten Rockin The Ship will be favored to remain that way in the $60,650 Gold Rush Derby tonight at 870 yards.

The 3-year-old thoroughbred son of Western Fame broke his maiden at two furlongs at Santa Anita last year and has won three races at tonight’s distance since returning to action here on Feb. 19.

Rockin The Ship was the fastest qualifier for the Gold Rush, winning his trial by a length in 46.05 seconds. Gary Boag will ride the California-bred, who will leave from the outside post in the field of eight.

The field includes five horses who finished behind Rockin The Ship in his trial victory on April 15 -- Deal Buster, Shake The Dice, El Marichi, Makem Laugh and Rise Together.

The other entrants are Hateful Hannibal, who won the other trial in 47.02 seconds, and A Wild Ride.

The picks: 1. Ima Deer. 2. Blushing Aces. 3. Well Known Act. 4. Mistival. 5. Dillons Bux. 6. Free To Dash. 7. Mizter Al. 8. Royal Prosity. 9. Rockin The Ship. 10. Adams County.

Four! Ima Deer and Burningtobefirst in the first, Blushing Aces and Babe With Rhythm in the second, Timeless End and Well Know Act in the third and Start The Commotion, Mistival and Star Of Corona in the fourth.

Shots in the dark: Pure Lee Dash could improve in his second race after a layoff in the fifth.

Post time: 7:15 p.m.

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