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Consistent Record Of Woehler Steeds Only One of Trainers Charges Out of Money in Elobee Colors in East NEW YORK, N. Y., May 2.— The Blackout of racing in California has compelled many Golden State stables to campaign far afield and the appearance of these western legions on eastern tracks has added an unusual element of interest to the spring racing season. There was some doubt as to how the Californians would fare in their invasion, and this doubt was especially pronounced concerning the fate of the horses bred on the coast. At this writing it appears that the invaders are doing very nicely, thank you. The stables of Neil S. McCarthy, Beezley k Cohn, W-L Ranch, Judy-Ed Stable and W. W. Crenshaw, to name a few, have won races, including stakes, at Florida, New York, Rhode Island and Maryland tracks far out of proportion to their numbers. However, perhaps the most remarkable record compiled in the young season by a California string is that of the Elobee Stable, owned by L. G. Burns, lumber and steamship operator of Los Angeles, named for his wifes initials, and trained by Vic Woehler. Pay Their Way Elobee Stable had, until today, started only three horses in the east, sending them to the post a total of seven times at Bowie and Havre de Grace. Only one of these horses finished unplaced, and that one was beaten less than three lengths. The record shows two wins, two seconds and two thirds. The two victories were gleaned by Devalue, a four-year-old son of Espino — Off Gold, by Polydor, and both were surprising, to say the least. In all of 1942, Devalue had won just two races in 18 starts. This year his record is perfect — two starts, two victories. After winning by a nose at 12 to 1, and with a ,000 claiming tag, Devalue moved up 00 and scored by a neck at 22 to 1. He makes his third start this afternoon, and is in ,000 company. Owner Burns remarked yesterday in Los Angeles that "He may be over his head, but then, I thought was was in too high the other two times he won." The other two horses who have carried the Elobee colors in the East are Page II., an Irish-bred three-year-old, and Zorro, a son of Gallant Fox and the same age. Page II. has yet to run in a claiming race and has showed steady improvement, while Zorro, too, should not be long paying his way in more modest company. He ran second to New Trick at Havre yesterday, disregarded at nearly 10 to 1. Owner Burns gives full credit to trainer Vic Woehler for the consistency of the Elobee horses. Woehler took over the conditioning of the Elobee string at the end of the Del Mar season and was able to do little with them at Tanforan, though Zorro did win two races at that fall meeting. However, the horses were well rested at blacked-out Santa Anita and were sent East in the best condition they have ever known. A young Californian, thoroughly grounded in horsemanship and extremely conscientious in the care of his charges, Woehler has never before saddled ten winners in a single season. That he will do so this year goes without saying. All that was lacking in his case was opportunity, and Burns is giving him that. Trio of Juveniles In addition to the three older horses in Woehler s care en the Maryland circuit are a trio of two-year-olds. These are Mr. Mac-Gurrin, an Irish-bred son of Knight of the Garter, named for an artist friend of Burns; Tweendeck, a Balladier colt, acquired for 00 at Saratoga, and Jab, a son of Tick On, purchased privately from his breeder, Neil S. McCarthy. All three of these youngsters are regarded as "promising" by trainer Woehler. Incidentally, Mr. Mac-Gurrin was entered to run with a ,000 claiming tag today, but was withdrawn in favor of an allowance event tomorrow. This may be an indication of Woehlers growing faith in the possibilities of this youngster. Burns operates a modest breeding farm at Canoga Park, where he bought the establishment formerly owned by Joe E. Brown about a year ago. F. A. Carreaud has a place just "down the road a piece." Five mares of Burns ownership are now at the farm, as well as those belonging to George Stratton. Only two of the Burns mares are of much account, their owner says. They are French Leave II., in foal to Heelfly, and Our Nancy, in foal to War Glory. Heelfly is also standing at Elobee Farm. Incidentally, if trainer Woehler should ever find that saddling winners is as hard as pulling teeth, he could take lessons from his brother. Jack, a former member of the Green Bay Packers professional football team, and now a dentist with a large practice among California horsemen.
