First Instinct delivers for the Haggas/Hayes axis British-raider First Instinct came home best to win the Listed Goffs Irish EBF Polonia Stakes over an extended five-furlongs in Cork. She came to tackle and head Grand Marques at the furlong pole and Chris Hayes soon got her rolling for home. Town And Country kept on strongly, but First Instinct got first run and hit the line with a head to spare. The winner was nicely supported down to 4/1 while the runner-up certainly outran her 33/1 odds. Songhai was just half a length away in third at 33/1. William Haggas' First Instinct had the benefit of a placed run in Listed class at Bath last month. Hayes said: "I love when Mr Haggas sends horses to Ireland as we have a great strike-rate together and there is never any complications. He was bullish with this filly and thought she had a good chance. "She jumped so fast coming out of the gates that I nearly came off, but she got into her stride really quick. I was able to use Seamie (Heffernan, on Grande Marques) as my lead horse and had no worries. Bille (Lee, on Town And Country) was coming quick, but I was pulling out more. "I spoke to Tom (Marqand) and he thought the drier ground would suit. Tom said she was fresh for her last run in Bath, but was good as gold today and was very professional. "I'd be happy at today's distance and if ever she comes back here again, I'd like to ride her." Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
