Irene Oakes may not be among the leading Curragh trainers but she does extremely well from her comparatively small string, a point that Black Pidgeon can confirm in the opening maiden at Clonmel tonight.

The Paris House filly ran twice for Oakes as a two-year-old but missed the whole of last year. However, on her return at Fairyhouse last month, Black Pidgeon ran an eye-catching race for a 25 to 1 shot when fourth to the smart Landing Slot in a maiden.

Back in sixth was one of tonight's opponents The Realtour but Black Pidgeon will surely benefit from the run more.

Half an hour later, Benfica, a length second to Groundswell at Gowran last time, can get off the mark in the ten furlong handicap and Midnight Coup can complete a hat-trick in the 12 furlong handicap.

Lord Penny, with Barry Geraghty on board, should appreciate the drop in trip from his last race at Wexford and go close in the Hibernian Handicap Hurdle.