In the 1963 song ‘Hey Hey Paula,’ Paula’s first words to Paul in the No. 1 hit that sold two million records are, “I’ve been waiting for you.” That might have been trainer John Vinson’s words to Hay Hay Paula while he was saddling the 4-year-old Bahamian Squall filly who was making her career debut in the third race at Gulfstream Park yesterday. 

    There were considerably less than two million bettors who recognized that Hay Hay Paula had posted three sub-49-second morning trials at Palm Meadows, but there were enough to send the filly bred by Pamela Edel off at 5/2.

    Edwin Gonzalez was aboard Hay Hay Paula for the race at five furlongs over the Tapeta track. She broke fourth, quickly moved into contention while three wide down the backstretch, and took the lead into the lane. She drew off to score by four lengths in a quick :57:88 and rewarded the faithful with a $7 win mutuel. Hay Hay Paula’s maiden-breaking victory was worth $11,600 to owner Equine Authority, and she became winner No. 18 for Bahamian Squall this year.