The expectations run high when you’re a $775,000 son of a Triple Crown winner and a half brother to a champion. And so when the regally-bred Verifying outlasted a late surge from Raise Cain to clinch the $300,000 Indiana Derby (G3), all the colt’s connections could at last release a sigh of relief.
Twice grade-1 placed in his nine-start career, the Brad Cox-trained Verifying justified his lofty price tag with his first graded score July 8 at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Although he was sent to post as the short 3-5 favorite, the 1 1/6 contest was no cakewalk for the colt, who put away dogged rivals Cagliostro and pacesetting Transect down the lane only to face a furiously closing Raise Cain in the shadow of the wire. Nonetheless, he got the job done and prevailed by the slimmest of noses.
“It was a little stressful,” Cox admitted post-race. “He ran well. Marcelino (Pedroza Jr.) put him in a great trip. He responded. He felt some pressure late from the 2 and finished up well and was able to stay in front at the wire.”
The victory was also especially meaningful for jockey Pedroza, the current leading rider at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Closely tracking an early pace of :24.19 and :48.47, Pedroza asked the colt for his run at the six-furlong marker and drove him home.
“(This win) means a lot,” Pedroza said. “I’ve been here five, six years, been riding here long enough. To win this race, the most important at the track, it means a lot.”
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Gotham Stakes (G3) winner Raise Cain rebounded from three disappointing off-the-board efforts with his huge second-place finish. Cagliostro, making a bid up the inside, settled for third.
Photo: Coady Photography
The connections of Verifying in the trophy presentation for the Indiana Derby
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“Almost,” trainer Ben Colebrook said of Raise Cain. “Almost counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. He ran big. You can’t be disappointed in that, but you want to win. He deserves a race like this, but there will be more opportunities for him.”
Verifying, running for the Coolmore partnership of Westerberg, Mrs. John Magnier, Jonathan Poulin, Derrick Smith, and Michael Tabor, is a son of Coolmore stallion Justify and out of the Repent mare Diva Delite. His half sister is the brilliant five-time grade 1 winner Midnight Bisou , the recipient of the champion older female Eclipse Award in 2019. Retiring with over $7 million in earnings, Midnight Bisou was sold to Japan’s Katsumi Yoshida at last year’s Keeneland November Sale for $5.5 million.
“(Verifying has a) big pedigree,” Cox said. “We need to get a grade 1 out of him. I think he’s a grade 1 horse. The Derby is a throw-out. His run in the Blue Grass was a really good run. Once again, I think there’s a grade 1 in him. I’m not certain when and where or what distance. But it was just good to get him back in the win column. He showed a lot of class and determination late, and hopefully, we’ll build off of this.”
Defining Purpose Returns to Top Form Winning Indiana Oaks
One race earlier, Defining Purpose rebounded from her disappointing Kentucky Oaks (G1) seventh to win the Indiana Oaks (G3) convincingly by 1 1/4 lengths over favored Taxed .
Photo: Coady Photography
Defining Purpose wins the Indiana Oaks at Horseshoe Indianapolis
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The winner of the Ashland Stakes (G1) at Keeneland in April, Defining Purpose and jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. tracked early leader Sandra D from about one length to her outside through fractions of :24.12, :49.06, and 1:14 before pouncing at the three-eighths marker. Defining Purpose opened up by as much as two lengths in the stretch and came home an easy winner in 1:43.83 for 1 1/16 miles.
Taxed raced in the back early on and made a five-wide move into the stretch but could not overcome the lack of pace, finishing a clear second, 2 1/4 lengths ahead of Lily Poo .
Defining Purpose—by Cross Traffic , out of four-time Indiana-bred stakes winner Defining Hope —paid $6.40 as the second choice and improved her record to 4-0-1 from nine starts for earnings of $673,788.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – The National Weather Service confirmed two separate tornadoes touched down in WAVE Country on Independence Day. One was an EF-1 tornado in Louisville’s Parkland neighborhood, the other an EF-0 in Harrison County, Indiana.
On Friday, residents in the area were in clean up mode after the storms rolled through. The tornado travelled on a path stretching for around a mile. Bringing winds estimated at 80 miles an hours. The storm topped trees onto driveways, a car and even a home.
One resident cleaning up on Friday was Leo Book, who’s lived in his home for over 30 years. He said this was the second worst storm in terms of damage he’s seen.
“I’ve seen them [trees] go back and forth a lot real bad, but these, some of these trees were going around and around,” Book said. “It’s the first time I had seen that.”
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Some people in Harrison County were without power for about six to eight hours, according to the Harrison County Emergency Management. Now all power has been restored.
After state officials announced last week that Indiana will resume executions for the first time in over a decade, secrecy largely shrouds the new drug, pentobarbital, acquired for the impending lethal injections.
The one-drug method is a departure from the state’s protocol used since 1995, involving a series of three chemicals.
Although no state-level executions in Indiana have used pentobarbital before, 13 federal executions carried out at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute have been carried out with the drug. Fourteen states have used pentobarbital in executions, too.
But state and federal officials alike have remained closed-lipped about where pentobarbital is sourced from and how much it costs. Also still unknown is the amount Indiana has acquired and when the current doses expire.
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Robin Maher, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center (DPIC), a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. that tracks state and federal executions, said it’s also critical for the public to know who will be administering the drug — and how — as well as what training those individuals will receive.
“These are the hard questions that have to be asked,” Maher told the Indiana Capital Chronicle. “This is an official government function, and in a democracy, we value honesty and transparency in our government officials and the acts they do on our behalf. This is absolutely one of those official acts, and voters in Indiana deserve to know what their government is doing in their name.”
What is pentobarbital?
The Hoosier state has carried out 20 executions since 1981. The first three — in 1981, 1985 and 1994 — were by electrocution. The rest have been by lethal injection — which is now the only method permitted by state law.
The Indiana Code doesn’t specify what drugs are to be used for executions, saying only that the drugs must be injected intravenously in a quantity and for an amount of time sufficient to kill the inmate.
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Previously, when a prisoner was executed by lethal injection in Indiana, they were strapped to a gurney, and an IV line was inserted to inject a lethal combination of three substances: a barbiturate to render the person unconscious; pancuronium bromide to paralyze voluntary and reflex muscles; and potassium chloride to stop the heart.
But after Indiana’s last execution in 2009, the state was effectively forced to pause. Increased scrutiny of lethal injection drugs led pharmaceutical companies to refuse to sell their products for use in executions. Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said that made acquiring the necessary drugs “harder to get.”
It wasn’t until last week that the governor, along with Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, announced that the state’s Department of Correction has obtained the pentobarbital to carry out the death penalty.
The state is so far seeking an execution date for Joseph Corcoran, a man convicted in the killings of four people in Fort Wayne in 1997. There are currently eight men on Indiana’s death row, including Corcoran. No one has been added to the state’s death row since 2014.
In the one-drug executions, a prisoner is injected with an overdose of pentobarbital. The new drug, which Maher described as a sedative, has commonly been used to euthanize pets.
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Joseph Corcoran killed four people in 1997 and was sentenced to death. (Mugshot)
“It’s a barbiturate that explodes the activity of the brain and the nervous system and breathing,” she said. “When you’re given an overdose of that, it will ultimately suppress breath and kill you.”
Pentobarbital was first introduced in 2010, according to the DPIC.
So far, 14 states have used the drug in executions: Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas and Virginia. Five additional states — Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, North Carolina and Tennessee — additionally plan to use pentobarbital. Colorado includes pentobarbital as a backup drug in its lethal-injection procedure.
The same drug was also used for the 13 federal executions during the last six months of Donald Trump’s presidency.
In 2019, former U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr approved the use of pentobarbital in executions, though President Joe Biden’s Justice Department announced a moratorium on federal executions in 2021.
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A first-time method in Indiana
Whether Indiana uses pentobarbital or other drugs for executions, Maher said there are still concerns about what could go wrong.
She noted that lethal injections have the highest rate of botched executions, which occur when there is a breakdown in — or departure from — the “protocol” for a particular method of execution.
The DPIC describes at least two botched executions that have occurred in Indiana.
In October 1985, it took 17 minutes to execute William Vandiver. Still breathing after the first application of 2,300 volts, four more bursts of electricity were fired into him before he was pronounced dead, according to media reports from that time. The Indiana Department of Corrections admitted the execution “did not go according to plan.”
Tommie Smith, who died by lethal Injection in July 1996, also had a prolonged execution, according to the DPIC. Because of unusually small veins, it took more than an hour after the execution team began sticking needles into his body for Smith to be pronounced dead. After multiple attempts, the lethal drugs were finally injected into Smith 49 minutes after the process began. It took another 20 minutes before he was pronounced dead.
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Holcomb defends Indiana’s move to carry out execution, saying ‘justice will be served’
Maher said many of the documented botched executions in recent years have occurred because the drugs being used had expired, were contaminated, or they were administered “incorrectly.”
“There are a number of ways that the executions can go wrong, and it doesn’t only have to do with the kind of drug that is used,” she said, noting, for example, that if pentobarbital isn’t stored at a proper temperature, the drug can expire and should not be used.
When asked where DOC acquired the drug — pentobarbital, which can be used to carry out executions – and how much the state paid, Holcomb said he “can’t go into those details, by law.”
Lawmakers made information about the source of the drugs confidential on the last day of the 2017 legislative session.
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Indiana Capital Chronicle has filed an official records request seeking the cost of the drugs.
“States have been hiding this information behind secrecy statutes in an effort to avoid answering difficult questions about their execution protocols. These are elected officials. They are using government funding, and they are saying they are conducting an official function,” Maher said. “And all of that means they should be honest and transparent about what they’re doing and why. The fact that they have shrouded everything in secrecy in an attempt to avoid answering these questions is not something that we should simply be accepting.”
Recent reporting by The Intercept and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver identified Connecticut-based Absolute Standards as the source of the pentobarbital used in 13 federal executions in 2020 and 2021. Reporting did not confirm if the company also supplied to specific states, including Indiana.
Absolute Standards produces materials for calibrating research equipment, but in 2018, it applied to the Drug Enforcement Administration to be registered as a bulk producer of pentobarbital. The company has since indicated this week that it will no longer produce the drug.
Maher further pointed to Idaho, which reportedly spent $100,000 earlier this year to purchase three doses of pentobarbital, the drug used in lethal injections. It’s not clear if that’s the same quantity purchased or price paid by Indiana, however.
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“What officials have said … is that they do not want to have people who are involved in the execution process — for manufacturers of a drug — to be harassed by advocates. But there are almost no real life examples of that happening unless we characterize criticism as harassment, which I don’t think we should in a democracy,” Maher said. “People who are critical of decisions the state is making, in terms of where they are finding their drugs and how they are choosing to administer them, that’s part of being a public official. Responding to those questions from your constituents — that’s part of being a public official. That comes with the territory, and there is no justifiable reason for them to avoid answering those questions.”
The Indiana Public Defender’s Office, which is providing Corcoran with legal counsel, did not reply to the Capital Chonicle’s requests for comment about pentobarbital or the impending execution.
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Larry Komp, a federal defender for Corcoran, said the legal team is still seeking clarity on the state’s lethal injection protocol.
Groups are starting to come out against Indiana’s move, including the Libertarian Party of Indiana.
“A government whose primary function is to protect life should not be in the business of ending it, especially given the United States Constitution protects the accused from cruel and unusual punishment. There is no more cruel punishment than putting someone to death,” the party said in a statement. “The state, simply put, should not be killing its citizens. The Libertarian Party of Indiana calls upon Governor Holcomb and the State of Indiana to halt all planned executions and, furthermore, upon the General Assembly to ban the use of the death penalty in Indiana.”
On Thursday at 9:01 p.m. a flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until 10:30 p.m. for Indiana County.
“At 9:01 p.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly,” explains the weather service. “Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.”
Locations impacted by the warning include Indiana, Clymer, Chevy Chase Heights, Lucerne Mines, Brush Vly and Yellow Creek State Park.
According to the weather service, “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route.”
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Deciphering advisories, watches, and warnings: Understanding weather alerts
Flash flood warning: Take action!
A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area, move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
Flood warning: Take action!
A flood warning is declared when flooding is on the verge of happening or is already underway.
Flood advisory: Be aware:
A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning. Nonetheless, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that threaten life and/or property.
Flood watch: Be prepared:
A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Weather service flood safety guidelines: Weathering the storm
In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver:
Seek higher ground:
If you’re in a flood-prone area, or if you’re camping in a low-lying spot, move to higher ground as a first step.
Adhere to evacuation orders:
When local authorities issue an evacuation order, promptly comply. Before leaving, secure your home by locking it.
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Disconnect utilities and appliances:
If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.
Steer clear of flooded basements and submerged areas:
Steer clear of basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. This helps prevent electrical accidents.
Evacuate promptly for safety:
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If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge.
Stay away from floodwaters:
Never attempt to walk through floodwaters, even if they appear shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can forcefully sweep you off your feet.
Seek higher ground when trapped:
Should you become trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and dial 911 to contact emergency services.
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During heavy rainfall, the risk of flooding is heightened, especially in low-lying and flood-prone regions. Always remember never to drive through water on the road, no matter how shallow it appears. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most vehicles. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.
Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads
Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these weather service tips to ensure safety during heavy rainfall:
Beware of swollen waterways:
In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.
Maintain safe driving distances:
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Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.
Reduce speed and drive cautiously:
On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.
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Prioritize visibility:
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
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Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
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