Fair Grounds: Small Kitchen sets sights on Oaks

Add Small Kitchen to the list of talented 3-year-old fillies wintering at Fair Grounds.

Small Kitchen, a Corinthian filly bred and owned by Gainesway Thoroughbreds, won her career debut Feb. 2 by almost six lengths, and this past Sunday captured a first-level sprint allowance by more than seven lengths, running six furlongs in a snappy 1:09.88. That time produced a Beyer Speed Figure of 90, which, if anything, seems on the low side.

Trainer Mike Maker said Small Kitchen’s connections were “looking at a couple different spots,” but that the Fair Grounds Oaks on March 31 would most likely be the filly’s next race.

“We expect her to be able to route,” Maker said.

The Fair Grounds Oaks also is expected to include Summer Applause and Avie’s Sense, the one-two finishers from the Rachel Alexandra Stakes, and Silverbulletday Stakes winner Believe You Can. Avie’s Sense worked a half-mile in a bullet 48 seconds Tuesday.