Churchill Downs: Rockemperor is slight favorite in River City

Accomplished 7-year-old gelding Rockemperor was made the slight 4-1 morning-line favorite against a full field of turf specialists who were entered in Saturday’s Grade 3, $300,000 River City at Churchill Downs.

Trained by Chad Brown, Rockemperor will be in search of the winner’s circle for the first time since he defeated four rivals in last year’s Bowling Green (G2) at Saratoga. The well-traveled Irish-bred has been victorious in five career starts, including the 2021 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1) at Belmont Park.

Rockemperor’s 2023 campaign began in May, when he finished fourth in the Fort Marcy Stakes (G2) and returned four weeks later to finish ninth in the Manhattan (G1). Two months ago, Brown opted to ship Rockemperor north of the boarder to the Singspiel Stakes (G3) at Woodbine, where he was beat in the final strides by Palazzi.

Jockey Tyler Gaffalione will unite with Rockemperor for the first time and break from post No. 4.

The River City drew an over-subscribed field of 15 entrants. Twelve made the body of the race and the outside three can draw in if any late scratches occur.

The also-eligibles are Accredit, Beatbox and Street Ready.

The 1 1/8-mile River City was carded as Race 10 of 11 with a post time of 5:35 p.m. EST.