Horse Owned By Jim Rome Is the Favorite at Mine That Bird Derby

Jim Rome, longtime sports radio host and television personality will have his sights on Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino this weekend. His horse, Straight Up G is the 3-1 morning line favorite for Sunday's Mine That Bird Derby. Rome's company, Jungle Racing LLC owns the horse, who is trained by Richard Baltas. There is even a possibility that the Radio Hall of Famer will be at Sunland Park on Sunday to watch his horse race. Straight Up G has not raced since December 12th at Los Alamitos.

However, the son of Straight Fire won that start going away. A month earlier, Straight Up G won by sixth lengths at Del Mar.

The eight horse field will include a pair of local horses that will have a chance to win the big race. Pepper Spray won the Riley Allison Derby on January 30th and is unbeaten after three starts. Luis Valenzuela will get the mount for the Kentucky-bred son of Tale of Ekati who will be 5-1 in the morning line.

American Xperiment, owned by Kirk and Judy Robison will feature Sunland Park Racetrack's leading rider Alfredo Juarez Jr and Hall of Fame trainer Steve Ausmussan. In addition to American Xperiment, Ausmussan will also bring Classic Moment to Sunland Park.

Post time for the Mine That Bird Derby is 3:59 p.m.

Eric Alwan, the voice of Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino, joined 600 ESPN El Paso on Tuesday to offer up his preview of the $100,000 Mine That Bird Derby and the three other big stakes races on Sunday.

LOOK: 50 images of winning moments from sports history

Sometimes images are the best way to honor the figures we've lost. When tragedy swiftly reminds us that sports are far from the most consequential thing in life, we can still look back on an athlete's winning moment that felt larger than life, remaining grateful for their sacrifice on the court and bringing joy to millions.

Read on to explore the full collection of 50 images Stacker compiled showcasing various iconic winning moments in sports history. Covering achievements from a multitude of sports, these images represent stunning personal achievements, team championships, and athletic perseverance.