Nevisian Sky not only choice in turf feature

ELMONT, N.Y. – Nevisian Sky will likely be favored in Sunday’s allowance-optional $40,000 claiming turf feature, but there are several alternatives to this gelding, who has lost twice as the favorite in this New York-bred second-level condition.

Nevisian Sky is trained by Chad Brown, and a former Brown-trainee, Converge, seems a little more intriguing and could perhaps offer a little more value. Mark Hennig, who is not active at the claim box, took Converge for $25,000 out of a New York-bred optional claimer at Saratoga on Aug. 21.

In that 1 3/16-mile race, Converge was very rank, blowing the first turn and then chasing a hot early pace before giving way late to Uncle Sigh and Hoboe and finishing a length behind in third.

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Hennig on Sunday is cutting Converge back to a mile, the distance at which he won his career debut last Sept. 19 and at which he finished second in the Awad Stakes here last October.

“I wanted to cut him back a little so that maybe he would get outrun a little bit early and hopefully get him covered up,” said Hennig, who claimed Converge for owner David Merjan. “He’s gotten a little rank in his last couple of starts with the blinkers, and I’ll probably open them up a little bit and see what happens. He seems to be doing well.”

Junior Alvarado, aboard for the gelding’s maiden win a year ago, is reunited with Converge.

There does appear to be plenty of early pace in this spot, which perhaps will make it easier for Alvarado to get Converge covered up.

Nevisian Sky, who breaks from the rail under Javier Castellano, would also likely benefit from some pace ahead of him. He was beaten a nose by New York Song in this condition at Saratoga on Aug. 2 before getting beat a length by Voodoo Song three weeks later.

Uncle Sigh, who is one deep on the also-eligible list, would be a player if he drew into the field.

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KEY CONTENDERS

Nevisian Sky, by Sky Mesa
Last 3 Beyers: 88-88-85

◗ After two good efforts at Saratoga, he returns to the course of his lone turf win, which came by 4 1/4 lengths.

◗ In his most recent start, he was beaten a length by Voodoo Song in what was the second of four consecutive wins at the meet for that horse.

Converge, by Sidney’s Candy
Last 3 Beyers: 83-86-88

◗ Won in this condition by a head here in May when in for the allowance condition. He is in for the $40,000 claiming tag Saturday.

◗ He has two wins and two thirds against New York-breds.

Uncle Sigh, by Indian Charlie
Last 3 Beyers: 85-86-85

◗ Showed a good turn of foot getting up to win in a similar spot at Saratoga, and was claimed for $25,000 by Ray Handal.

◗ Worked a solid half-mile here last Sunday and has Irad Ortiz Jr. to ride if he gets in from the also-eligible list.