Born: Feb. 6, 1948, New York, NY
Residence: Elmont, NY and Saratoga Springs, NY
Family: Wife, Kim; children Alexander and Sara
Racing Background: Zito grew up near Aqueduct Ractrack in Queens, NY. He went to the track with his father when he was about 9 years old, but rules at the time prevented him from entering the grounds. Instead, he would spend the day with a security guard. Zito's first job on the track was as a hotwalker while still a teen. He moved on to become a groom for trainer Buddy Jacobson and then worked for trainer Bob Lake. Zito was an assistant to trainer Johnny Campo for 4 years and to Hall of Famer LeRoy Jolley before going out on his own in 1972 at the age of 24 with 2 horses.
- over $89 million in earnings
- over 102 Graded Stakes wins
- 5 classic winners (Strike the Gold, Go for Gin, Louis Quatorze, Birdstone, Da'Tara)
- 2 Breeders' Cup winners (Storm Song, Bird Town, War Pass)