Pine Circle swept around the field on the final turn Saturday and caught favored Dr. Carter a few strides from the finish to capture a half-length triumph in the $125,000-added Widener Handicap in Hialeah, Fla.
It was the first victory in a major race for the 4-year-old son of Cox`s Ridge, who had five previous second-place finishes in Grade I stakes.
Dr. Carter, a gray 4-year-old son of Caro, had beaten Pine Circle in the Gulfstream Park Handicap last month and was considered a heavy favorite in the Widener.
Pine Circle paid $17.20, $6, and $3.40 while Dr. Carter returned $3 and $2.60. Selous Scout offered $4 to show.
Donald MacBeth rode Pine Circle to a 2:00 4/5 finish over the 1 1/4-mile course.
Pine Circle was running ninth until the stretch when MacBeth pulled him out to the center of the track and circled the field.
— Patch Of Sun romped to a 2 1/4-length victory at Sportsman`s Park in the Jack R. Johnston Memorial Handicap, a $50,000-added 6-furlong event for 4- year-olds and up.
