It was a lonely Queen Paula at the end of the 1,200-metre run for the Hotline Stakes, the first of the major cup races as the three-year-olds intensify their preparation at Caymanas Park yesterday.

Winston ‘Fanna’ Griffiths asked the bay filly by Film Director — Breathless to run leaving the 600-metre marker after disputing the lead with Delta Dawn, and Queen Paula responded by pulling away from the field to win by over seven lengths from Miss Juanita, who after breaking from the one draw could not keep-up with the pace, after which she went wide in the turn and was really not a factor in the event. River Mumma was third.

This was the second consecutive raceday that Griffiths was riding a winner from the only mount he was listed to ride on the programme. Queen Paula is owned, bred and trained by Lorenzo Robinson.

Robinson, while pleased with the cup win, was not entirely happy.

“Queen Paula ran well and I am happy, but she did not run as anticipated, she was not impressive. She was a bit off and that may be due to a slight problem she had which briefly interrupted her preparation. Otherwise Queen Paula has come on well and I am very thankful,” the owner, trainer, breeder of the Hotline Stakes winner for 2014, said.

Dick Cardenas joined champion jockey Dane Nelson atop the jockeys’ standing with a triple — This Is It, Also Correct for champion trainer Wayne DaCosta, and Terra Marique for Anthony Smith.

Racing continues with a 1:15 pm post-time today at the Park when it will be time for the three-year-old colts to compete in the Sir Howard Stakes.