Latest news with #Weaver
New York Post
4 hours ago
- New York Post
Teen illegal immigrant who killed woman in Colorado crash gets probation, then is arrested by ICE with family
An illegal immigrant teenager who was spared jail time after he was convicted of killing a Colorado woman in a high-speed crash has been arrested, along with his family, by immigration authorities. The 16-year-old from Colombia was sentenced to probation and community service for the July 2024 death of Kaitlyn Weaver, 24, in Aurora after striking a plea deal with prosecutors. Advertisement The teen, who has not been publicly named because of state laws that shield the identity of underage criminal suspects, was arrested May 20 along with his family, who were also living in the United States illegally, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said. 'The minor was convicted in Colorado's 18th Judicial District and was sentenced to probation and community service,' an ICE spokesperson told Fox News. 'As part of its routine operations, ICE arrests aliens who commit crimes and other individuals who have violated our nation's immigration laws. All aliens in violation of US immigration law may be subject to arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the United States, regardless of nationality.' The teen will remain in ICE custody pending an immigration hearing, the agency said. 4 ICE agents arrested the 16-year-old Colombian migrant responsible for the death of Kaitlyn Weaver in July 2024. ICE Denver Advertisement Weaver died after she was sitting in her vehicle at a stop sign and the teen T-boned Weaver's vehicle at an intersection. He was in a Jeep with other minors racing in a residential neighborhood at speeds of up to 90 mph, authorities said. Weaver was kept on life support for two days before she was taken off after her organs were donated. 4 Kaitlyn Weaver died after she was sitting in her vehicle at a stop sign and the teen T-boned Weaver's vehicle at an intersection. Family Handout Advertisement Her father, John Weaver, told Fox News Digital that he was told by US Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Colo., that ICE would be taking action against the teen. 'I appreciate ICE taking enforcement action, and I really appreciate the outpouring of support from everyone,' Weaver said Thursday. The teen was arrested and initially charged with vehicular homicide. At the time, the Weavers were told by the Arapahoe County District Attorney's office that the case was a 'no plea offer' case, John Weaver said. 4 The damage to Weaver's car after the fatal crash in Aurora, Colorado. Aurora Police Department Advertisement They then offered the teen a plea deal if he admitted his guilt. At the time, the Weaver family attorney, Matthew Durkin, called the deal 'abhorrent,' in an interview with Fox News Digital, noting that Weaver was killed during the prime of her life. John Weaver noted at the time that the teen was in the US illegally and unlicensed. 4 Police investigate the crash as firefighters attempt to extract Weaver from her mangled car. Aurora Police Department 'We had a collision where the immigration system and the criminal justice system collided, and now my daughter's dead,' he said. The teen has a pending asylum claim, but, according to ICE, asylum claims do not prevent detention.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Teen illegal immigrant who killed woman in Colorado crash gets probation, then is arrested by ICE with family
An illegal immigrant teenager who was spared jail time after he was convicted of killing a Colorado woman in a high-speed crash has been arrested, along with his family, by immigration authorities. The 16-year-old from Colombia was sentenced to probation and community service for the July 2024 death of Kaitlyn Weaver, 24, in Aurora after striking a plea deal with prosecutors. The teen, who has not been publicly named because of state laws that shield the identity of underage criminal suspects, was arrested May 20 along with his family, who were also living in the United States illegally, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said. ICE CAPTURES ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WANTED FOR ALLEGEDLY KILLING MOTHER IN DUI CRASH "The minor was convicted in Colorado's 18th Judicial District and was sentenced to probation and community service," an ICE spokesperson told Fox News. "As part of its routine operations, ICE arrests aliens who commit crimes and other individuals who have violated our nation's immigration laws. All aliens in violation of U.S. immigration law may be subject to arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the United States, regardless of nationality." The teen will remain in ICE custody pending an immigration hearing, the agency said. Read On The Fox News App Progressive Prosecutor Lets Illegal Immigrant Teen Off Easy After Crash That Killed 24 Year-old Woman Weaver died after she was sitting in her vehicle at a stop sign and the teen T-boned Weaver's vehicle at an intersection. He was in a Jeep with other minors racing in a residential neighborhood at speeds of up to 90 mph, authorities said. Weaver was kept on life support for two days before she was taken off after her organs were donated. Her father, John Weaver, told Fox News Digital that he was told by U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Colo., that ICE would be taking action against the teen. "I appreciate ICE taking enforcement action, and I really appreciate the outpouring of support from everyone," Weaver said Thursday. The teen was arrested and initially charged with vehicular homicide. At the time, the Weavers were told by the Arapahoe County District Attorney's office that the case was a "no plea offer" case, John Weaver said. They then offered the teen a plea deal if he admitted his guilt. At the time, the Weaver family attorney, Matthew Durkin, called the deal "abhorrent," in an interview with Fox News Digital, noting that Weaver was killed during the prime of her life. John Weaver noted at the time that the teen was in the U.S. illegally and unlicensed. "We had a collision where the immigration system and the criminal justice system collided, and now my daughter's dead," he said. The teen has a pending asylum claim, but, according to ICE, asylum claims do not prevent article source: Teen illegal immigrant who killed woman in Colorado crash gets probation, then is arrested by ICE with family
NBC Sports
a day ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Fantasy Baseball Closer Report: Giants make a change as Camilo Doval assumes closer role
In this week's Closer Report, Camilo Doval has officially been named the Giants' closer as he supplants Ryan Walker. Daniel Palencia is taking advantage of his opportunity in Chicago. And the Diamondbacks get Justin Martinez back from the injured list. All that and more as we run down the last week in saves. Andrés Muñoz - Seattle Mariners Josh Hader - Houston Astros Muñoz picked up a save with a perfect inning against the Astros on Friday, needing just seven pitches to secure his 17th of the season. The 26-year-old right-hander still holds a clean 0.00 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, and a 28/8 K/BB ratio across 22 2/3 innings. Hader got his turn on Saturday and struck out the side against Seattle for the save. He then worked around a hit, collecting three more strikeouts to lock down his 14th save against the Athletics on Wednesday. Robert Suarez - San Diego Padres Edwin Díaz - New York Mets Mason Miller - Athletics Luke Weaver - New York Yankees Jhoan Duran - Minnesota Twins Suarez had a busy week on the mound, pitching in four out of six games and picking up two saves. The 34-year-old right-hander is up to 17 this season with a 2.35 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, and a 23/8 K/BB ratio across 23 innings. With Suarez getting the night off on Tuesday, Jeremiah Estrada stepped in for his first save of the season, striking out two batters against the Marlins. Díaz recorded a save and a win this week as he extended his scoreless streak to 12 appearances. He's up to 11 saves with a 2.42 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and a 31/11 K/BB ratio across 22 1/3 innings. Miller worked three straight games against the Phillies this week. His struggles continued Friday as he allowed three runs in a non-save situation. He got a save chance Saturday but allowed a game-tying homer before striking out the side. Miller finally came through with a scoreless outing Sunday, picking up his 12th save. Weaver secured two more saves over the last week against the Rangers and Rockies, then worked a scoreless inning in a non-save situation against the Angels on Monday. The 31-year-old right-hander has recorded eight saves with a 0.73 ERA, 0.69 WHIP, and a 23/7 K/BB ratio across 24 23 innings. With Weaver getting a day off, Devin Williams stepped in for the save chance with a three-run lead and surrendered two runs before converting the save, his first since April 17. Weaver's role should be safe for the time being. It was a mixed bag of results for Duran. He fell in line for a win Saturday against the Royals, then took a loss Sunday before bouncing back with a save against the Rays on Tuesday. Still, the 27-year-old right-hander holds a 1.07 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and a 30/11 K/BB ratio across 25 1/3 innings. Emmanuel Clase - Cleveland Guardians Ryan Helsley - St. Louis Cardinals Tanner Scott - Los Angeles Dodgers Jeff Hoffman - Toronto Blue Jays Trevor Megill - Milwaukee Brewers Aroldis Chapman - Boston Red Sox Pete Fairbanks - Tampa Bay Rays Camilo Doval - San Francisco Giants Will Vest/Tommy Kahnle - Detroit Tigers Kyle Finnegan - Washington Nationals Raisel Iglesias - Atlanta Braves Félix Bautista - Baltimore Orioles Justin Martinez - Arizona Diamondbacks Clase worked back-to-back games against the Tigers, picking up a save Friday with a clean inning before giving up two runs, one earned, in a non-save situation Saturday. He bounced back Wednesday with his 11th save, striking out one batter against the Dodgers. Helsley held on for a save on Friday against the Diamondbacks despite giving up two runs. He then fell in line for a win with a scoreless inning Saturday and struck out two in a clean outing for a save Tuesday. The 30-year-old right-hander has converted 11 saves with a 3.32 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, and a 21/11 K/BB ratio across 19 innings. Scott is in the middle of a rough stretch, giving up nine runs over his last five outings. He blew a save Friday with three runs allowed against the Mets, then surrendered a lead in the eighth with four runs given up against the Guardians on Wednesday. Hoffman gave up two runs to blow a save chance against the Padres last Thursday, then bounced back with saves on Monday and Wednesday against the Rangers. The 32-year-old right-hander has struggled this month, giving up 13 runs after taking a 1.17 ERA through April. Megill secured three saves in five days over the last week, giving him ten on the season to go with a 2.45 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and a 20/11 K/BB ratio across 18 1/3 innings. He's recorded seven saves this month after just three through April. Chapman blew a save chance Tuesday against the Brewers, then pitched a scoreless inning in a non-save situation Wednesday. He remains at eight saves with a 2.05 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and a 29/8 K/BB ratio across 22 innings. Fairbanks worked back-to-back saves against the Blue Jays this week, collecting two strikeouts over two scoreless innings. The 31-year-old right-hander is up to ten saves with a 2.05 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and a 22/12 K/BB ratio across 22 innings. This is where Doval starts in the rankings after he was anointed the Giants' closer on Wednesday. Manager Bob Melvin stated Ryan Walker will take a step back into setup duties while Doval moves forward as closer. The 27-year-old right-hander has already recorded five saves and has not allowed a run over his last 19 appearances dating back to April 7. Vest converted back-to-back saves on Monday and Tuesday against the Giants. After pitching in three of four games, Kahnle stepped in for the save Wednesday. Both relievers are up to seven saves, though Vest has been the preferred option over the last several weeks. Finnegan was sidelined for a few days as he nursed some shoulder fatigue. Jorge López stepped in for a save on Saturday against the Giants. Meanwhile, Iglesias continues his inconsistent performance and he's struggled with home runs. He gave up a solo homer on Friday against the Padres to take the loss. And in Baltimore, Bautista had some better outings this week with two clean appearances, including his eighth save of the season Monday against the Cardinals. Martinez returned for the Diamondbacks this week. He made his first appearance on Saturday against the Cardinals and surrendered two runs to blow the lead. While not the results he wanted, his velocity was back up to 100 mph. He made a clean appearance with one strikeout against the Pirates on Monday. Martinez should step into primary closing duties with Shelby Miller potentially mixing in if Martinez faces the tough part of a lineup in the eighth. AJ Puk is in the middle of his rehab from an elbow injury and is eligible to return on July 1. Daniel Palencia - Chicago Cubs David Bednar/Dennis Santana - Pittsburgh Pirates Emilio Pagan - Cincinnati Reds Jordan Romano - Philadelphia Phillies Kenley Jansen - Los Angeles Angels Carlos Estévez - Kansas City Royals Robert Garcia - Texas Rangers With Porter Hodge on the injured list with an oblique strain, Palencia has gotten the chance to run with the closer role for the Cubs. He's locked down four saves over the last eight days and holds a 1.83 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, and a 21/7 K/BB ratio across 19 2/3 innings. Bednar recorded two saves for the Pirates and has three of the team's last four as it seems he's becoming the preferred option for the ninth inning. Pagan surrendered a run against the Cubs on Saturday before holding on for his 13th save. He allowed another run Monday in a non-save situation. In Philadelphia, Romano broke a nine-game scoreless streak with three runs allowed in a non-save situation against the Athletics on Friday, then bounced back with a save against the Braves on Tuesday. Jansen made one appearance this week, working around two walks and striking out one batter for a save against the Marlins on Friday. The 37-year-old right-hander is up to 11 saves with a 4.96 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and a 16/5 K/BB ratio across 16 1/3 innings. Estévez earned a win in his only outing this week as he recorded four outs and collected two strikeouts against the Twins on Sunday. And in Texas, Garcia has the last two saves and three on the season as he usurps Luke Jackson as closer. Ronny Henriquez - Miami Marlins Zach Agnos - Colorado Rockies Jordan Leasure/Steven Wilson - Chicago White Sox Henriquez was featured in last week's stash section and was given a chance to close out games this week. He picked up a win Saturday against the Angels, then converted a save with two strikeouts on Sunday. However, he gave up two runs to lose the lead when the team used him in the seventh and eighth on Wednesday. Calvin Faucher recorded the save. It's been a fluid situation all season, but Henriquez likely has the most upside of the group. Meanwhile, Agnos recorded one save for Colorado and Wilson locked down a save for the White Sox. Aaron Ashby made his season debut for the Brewers this week after missing the beginning of the season with an oblique injury. The 27-year-old left-hander once showed promise as a starting pitcher but has been much more effective out of the bullpen. He's made two appearances, pitching three scoreless innings with four strikeouts. While Trevor Megill and Abner Uribe have the late innings locked down, Ashby could be in line for multi-inning outings that could be useful for strikeouts in deeper leagues. The Angels could be getting a major bullpen upgrade with the addition of Robert Stephenson, who was activated from the 60-day injured list on Wednesday. The 32-year-old right-hander missed all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery. Stephenson struck out two in a clean inning of work against the Yankees in his first action back and could work his way into high-leverage work in short order.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Public weighs in on proposed Summit Lake Solar project
May 27—WORTHINGTON — The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission joined Summit Lake Solar, LLC Thursday evening to offer a public information and environmental review scoping meeting for Nobles County residents at the Worthington Events Center. Craig Janezich, energy facilities planner, and Sam Weaver, environmental review manager for Minnesota Department of Commerce, were on the panel with Summit Lake Solar's Alia Mohammad, permitting specialist, and Tom Karas, senior developer, as well as Jeremy Duehr, an attorney from Fredrikson and Byron. The meeting began with information about the project, proposed to be constructed on a 1,900-acre parcel near the unincorporated community of Reading, before allowing the public to ask questions. Summit Lake Solar (National Grid Renewables Development), headquartered in Bloomington, develops, constructs, owns and operates renewable energy projects nationwide. Their plan is to construct a 200-megawatt utility-scale solar energy conversion facility and a 200-MW battery energy storage system (BESS) near Reading. The project would connect into the existing Nobles Substation, with targeted completion in 2028 with construction as early as fall 2027. A joint siting application was submitted for both Summit Lake Solar and Summit Lake Storage projects to Minnesota Public Utilities Commission in February. The energy storage system takes in alternating current (AC) electricity then converts it to direct current (DC) electricity to store within its batteries. When needed, the system converts the stored DC power back into AC and reliably discharges electricity to the grid. AC electricity is then sent to homes and businesses to power electronics. The Summit Lake panel explained vegetative screening will be implemented on a case-by-case scenario. The projects are designed to avoid tree clearing and existing trees and windbreaks around residences will be maintained and provide some natural vegetative screening. The economic benefits they listed include $500,500 in total production tax revenue to local governments, $400,500 to Nobles County annually, $100,100 to both Summit Lake and Elk townships and 250 construction jobs at peak construction. Weaver, who works with energy environmental review and analysis at the Commerce department, said their office acts as technical advisors to the commission. They provide data driven objective analysis of the potential impacts of the proposed projects. "We do not advocate for or against projects," he said. "We are just here to say this is what they are proposing. Our goal is to inform the decision making by the commission. The commission are the ones deciding whether or not the project goes forward." Weaver explained that they prepare an environmental assessment, which shares an objective analysis of the project. He said he has already received numerous comments from the public and has appreciated them as they are helpful when preparing the document. "We want to hear from you all about the potential human environmental impacts that we should study," Weaver said. "We want to know about any unique characteristics within the project area that should be considered." He gave an example of a submitted comment about seasonal flooding after large rain events and shared that when driving around the project, he wouldn't get that type of long term local knowledge. Verbal comments were made at the meeting, but residents may make comments online at or by mail or email to Weaver at or to Minnesota Department of Commerce, 85 Seventh Place E., Suite 280, St. Paul, MN 55101. The comment period ends June 5. Marcus Raines was the first to comment before the panel. "As a millwright, I've had the pleasure of installing and maintaining power generation equipment over the past 12 years of my career," he said. "Now I have the pleasure of representing 27,000 carpenters, millwrights and pile drivers across the Upper Midwest. We would like to thank National Grid Renewables for their ongoing collaboration, committing to paying a prevailing wage to a local trained workforce that would be constructing this project." Raines said he looks forward to moving through the process of the project and gaining a positive environmental assessment while making the project a win for local craftspeople. Amy Stefferud spoke next. She lives on the edge of Reading and had concerns about the BESS involving fires and leakages, as well as noise. Mohammad said there would be full-time maintenance staff monitoring on site and explained that while fires are rare, if it does happen, the technology is developed to where they would let the fire burn within the enclosure. It would not be able to spread to other enclosures. Karas assured the public that one would not see any flames. He also explained that noise regulations must be met. Stefferud then asked if the project would decrease their property value. Mohammad replied that property value studies have been conducted by solar facilities in Minnesota and they have shown there little to no effect on property values. Russell Penning, rural Wilmont, shared some of his concerns about the project having to do with setbacks from road right-of-ways and from county drainage systems. "I've been hired by our township in the past when we've had bad snow years to push snow back on township roads," he said. "One concern being, are the setbacks going to be far enough for safe snow removal? If we are blowing snow off roads, who's going to be liable if we're sending rocks through solar panels?" Mohammad said there are county regulations for certain structures and facilities. "From the center line of all roads including fences, from the solar array that are closest to the center line, it'll be approximately 85 feet away," she said. "Then from the BESS, it'll also be 90 feet away." Penning said from his experience, he believes that is too close, stating some years he would push snow back well beyond 80 feet. His next question pertained to replacing solar panels. "From the little bit I've looked online, the technology is growing so fast that by the time we get halfway through these solar panels projected life, they're probably going to be decommissioned and put a newer panel up," he said. "So to that point, what do you do with them?" Mohammad said they recycle the panels after the end of their useful life. She explained they are responsible for the decommissioning process and have financial surety put in place in order to decommission all of the equipment. She then explained in the case of a weather event, the panels can withstand 50 mph winds and golf ball-sized hail. She also said the panels are TCLP tested, meaning toxicity characteristic leaching procedures show very little to no effect of toxicity leaching. Other public comments were made by Dwayne Wienrank, Becky Baumhoefner, James Joens, Phillip Joens, Kevin Schettler, Mallory Fritz, Nate Runke, Rod Burkard, Judy Christians, Nobles County Drainage Coordinator Loretta Halbur, Nobles County Planning and Zoning Administrator Kathy Henderschiedt and Nobles County Board Chairman Gene Metz. While some were against the project entirely, others asked questions or gave advice to the panel. Halbur explained how the project will impact three of the county's drainage systems, causing the system benefits to decrease due to the change in land use. "I do look forward to National Grid Renewables submitting their petition for reroute," she said. "We will have to be in touch." Henderschiedt requested the company be held to the county's zoning ordinance of a 150-foot setback from property lines. Metz made it clear that he wasn't speaking as a commissioner, but as a concerned citizen. He said one of the big questions he is always asked is why can't the county set the setbacks — and they can for small projects — but they have no say on commercial grade setbacks. The Summit Lake panel heard many comments regarding the setback from property lines and Weaver noted those are the comments they look for from the public and will review concerns. Another public hearing is tentatively set for October.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
George Weaver Eyes Woody Stephens For Promising Lafayette Winner Colloquial
Harrell Ventures and Starlight Racing's promising stakes winner Colloquial worked five furlongs in 1:03.25 on Thursday over Saratoga Race Course's Oklahoma dirt training track in preparation for the $500,000 Woody Stephens (G1) on June 7 at the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. Trained by George Weaver, the son of his dual Grade 1 winner Vekoma was last seen winning the seven-furlong Lafayette (L) on April 7 at Keeneland. There, he showed a new dimension when setting the pace after two solid efforts from off-the-pace, including an eye-catching local seven-length graduation sprinting 6 1/2 furlongs at second asking that garnered a 106 Beyer Speed Figure. Advertisement The 2 1/4-length Lafayette saw him earn an 88 Beyer, the same number he earned on debut last June when a nose second to subsequent graded stakes winner Mentee in a track record-setting performance. 'We've been happy with him,' Weaver said. 'We've been waiting for this race for a long time, and now we're getting close.' Weaver said the chestnut's versatility is the mark of a top-level horse. 'Good horses are [versatile], and they can adjust to situations,' Weaver said. 'He's talented, so luckily he's good enough to have that versatility. I don't think he's tied to any one way of running. I'm sure this will be a competitive race, but I wouldn't trade places with anybody.' Advertisement Colloquial is one of several candidates for Weaver at this year's Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. The veteran conditioner also has Dorth Vader, Sacred Wish, and Soontobeking nominated to races during the five-day Festival. John Ropes' Grade 2 winner Dorth Vader was a troubled fourth last out in the La Troienne (G1) on May 2 at Churchill Downs, enduring a bumpy trip into the first turn while running in third position under John Velazquez. She went on to finish just 1 1/2 lengths behind the victorious Raging Sea with just a head and three-quarter-lengths separating the minor awards between Taxed, Randomized and Dorth Vader. Weaver said Dorth Vader is likely being pointed to the $500,000 Ogden Phipps (G1) on June 6, which offers a 'Win and You're In' berth into the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) in November at Del Mar. 'She had horse and was running the whole way, and it was pretty tight in the first turn,' Weaver said. 'She was on the rail and [Randomized] stopped her progress. We're just hoping for a good, clean trip [in the Phipps].' Advertisement Black Type Thoroughbreds, Swinbank Stables, Steve Adkisson, Christopher Dunn and Anthony Spinazzola's Grade 1 winner Sacred Wish was a last-out seventh – defeated just 2 1/2-lengths – in the Grade 2 Churchill Distaff Turf Mile on May 3 at Churchill Downs. The 5-year-old Not This Time mare has been a model of consistency, currently holding a 14-for-20 in-the-money record that includes a Grade 1 triumph in last year's Matriarch at Del Mar, and over $1.1 million in earnings. Weaver said the dark bay, who worked a half-mile in 51.25 seconds yesterday over the Oklahoma dirt, has been nominated to the Grade 1, $500,000 Just a Game on June 5 at the Festival, but he is unsure if that will be her next start. 'We'll see how her next work goes,' Weaver said. 'We're kind of up in the air about her next start.' Advertisement Our Blue Streaks Stable and SGV Thoroughbreds' consistent New York homebred Soontobeking is targeting the $200,000 Mike Lee for state-bred sophomores on the June 4 Opening Day of the Festival. Co-owned by Weaver, the son of King for a Day has put together a respectable 12-3-3-4 record with $363,428 in earnings, led by a stakes triumph in the state-bred Gander on March 8 at Aqueduct Racetrack. 'We're looking forward to seeing him again,' Weaver said of the colt whose last effort was a runner-up finish in the NYSSS Times Square on April 13 at Aqueduct. 'You appreciate the horses that always show up, and he does. He just overcomes with try.' Beyond the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, Weaver is eyeing a return next month to Royal Ascot, where he won the Group 2 Queen Mary in 2023 with Crimson Advocate. This year, Weaver is hopeful he'll be represented by two juveniles for owner Dew Sweepers in stakes winner Sandal's Song and maiden-winning New York-bred Tough Critic. Advertisement 'It's a hard thing to get done,' Weaver said of winning at the prestigious meeting. 'It's hard to win over there, even when you have the right horse – they run big fields, and you have to ship a long ways. It makes it exciting to do it, and hopefully everything goes smoothly and they run their race.' Sandal's Song looks to follow the path of Crimson Advocate after a stylish debut graduation in the five-furlong Royal Palm Juvenile by 1 1/2 lengths with a stalk-and-pounce trip engineered by Luca Panici. The Mendelssohn chestnut, who was a $75,000 purchase at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale, overcame a hop at the start to sit off the pace down the backstretch and responded kindly into the lane to draw off to the victory in a final time of 56.30 seconds. Weaver said Sandal's Song is likely pointing towards the Norfolk (G2) for juveniles sprinting five furlongs on June 19. 'They've only had that race [the Royal Palm Juvenile] for the last couple of years, and we've been fortunate enough to get horses that have a chance to compete in it,' Weaver said of the race that awarded Sandal's Song a $25,000 equine travel stipend for Royal Ascot. Advertisement The New York-bred Tough Critic was also impressive in his debut, taking a 5 1/2-furlong maiden on April 24 at Keeneland by 1 1/4 lengths with a deep-closing trip under Eclipse Award-winning rider Flavien Prat. The $350,000 Keeneland April Horses of Racing Age Sale purchase is by Caravaggio and is out of is out of the Invincible Spirit mare Thatchit, a half-sister to 2009 Norfolk winner Radiohead. Weaver said Tough Critic is being considered for the six-furlong Coventry (G2) on June 17 or the five-furlong Windsor Castle (L) on June 18.
