Major Rhythm by three

Blinkers have been a help to Major Rhythm. He added the equipment six starts ago and picked up his third victory since then on Monday in the $125,000 Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Breeders' Cup Handicap at Remington Park.

Major Rhythm won by three lengths over 122-pound highweight and favorite Maysville Slew. It was another neck back in third to Slew Slayer.

Major Rhythm ($6.20), who raced at Arlington Park in his last start, was the lone shipper in the field following the scratch of Honorable Pic. He settled in third behind pacesetter Waupaca, who led the field through fractions of 23.07 seconds for the opening quarter, 46.12 for the half-mile, and 1:09.92 for six furlongs. Major Rhythm overtook Waupaca in the stretch, and went on to cover the 1 1/8 miles over firm turf in a rapid 1:46.22.

Earlie Fires rode the winner for James Messino and trainer Ed Beam.

Major Rhythm earned $75,000 for the victory, which was his second career stakes win. Overall, he has won 9 of his 31 career starts for earnings of $326,415.