August 17 , 2008
Shotgun Ela Romps in Rainbow Connection

Shotgun Ela wins 2008 Rainbow Connection Stakes

FORT ERIE, August 17...Veteran runner Shot Gun Ela roared to a five length victory in Sunday’s running of the $125,000 Rainbow Connection Stakes at Fort Erie.

The seven-year-old daughter of Elajjud covered the five furlongs on the main track in 56 3/5. She was 1/5th of a second off the track record of 56 2/5 set by Dart for Dough in 2003. The race was originally scheduled for the turf.

With Roderick Dacosta in the irons, Shot Gun Ela broke like a bullet from the starting gate and dueled with Only If Split through the turn and drew clear in the stretch. The duo flew through the first quarter in 21 3/5 while Shot Gun Ela reached the half in a wicked 44 2/5.

“She’s a real fighter,” said Dacosta. “I knew if we were up on or close to the lead she would respond when I asked her and she did.”

Owned by Annecchini and D’alimonte Holdings and trained by Ross Armata, Shot Gun Ela notched her second stakes win of her career. She won the Ontario Fashion Stakes at Woodbine in 2006.

Shot Gun Ela paid $9.00, $3.80 and $2.80. Only If Split held on to finish second, $3.30 and $2.50. Miss Juicey finished third, $2.40. The 4-8 exactor paid $24.80 and the 4-8-2 triactor paid $52.00.

Daryl Wells
Media and Communications
1-800-295-3770 ext. 3204
e-mail: dwells@forterieracetrack.ca