A member of a better than average crop, Vito had talent but was perhaps hampered by soundness issues as he made only five starts at 3 and only one at 4. As he could reasonably have been expected to improve on his juvenile form given his breeding, his true ability remains enigmatic. He made no lasting impression as a sire.
Race record
18 starts, 6 wins, 3 seconds, 2 thirds, US$82,330
1927:
1928:
As an individual
A bay colt, Vito was reported by the New York Times of June 30, 1928, as having suffered a bowed tendon while in training following his Belmont win. A 1932 stud advertisement describes him as "probably the grandest looking Thoroughbred in Kentucky" and touts him as having an excellent disposition. The accompanying photograph suggests that he was a rangy, well-made individual with an excellent shoulder and legs slightly short for his height.
As a stallion
According to records kept by The Jockey Club, Vito sired 65 winners (54.2%) and 2 stakes winners (7.6%) from 120 named foals.
Connections
Foaled in Kentucky, Vito was bred and owned by Alfred Cosden. He was trained by Max Hirsch.
Pedigree notes
Vito is inbred 5x5 to seven-time English champion sire Hermit, winner of the 1867 Derby Stakes. He is a half brother to stakes winner Prince of Bourbon (by Prince Palatine). He is also a half brother to Lady Tony (by Black Toney), dam of stakes winner Sir Alfred (by Alfred the Great).
Vito's dam Forever is a half sister to 1918 American co-champion 2-year-old male Eternal (by Sweep) and to Cherrycote (by Broomstick), second dam of the good stakes mare Allie's Pal, 1941 California Derby winner Pirate and two other stakes winners. Forever was produced from the Sempronius mare Hazel Burke, whose dam Retained II (by Hamburg) also produced juvenile stakes winners Possession (by Requital; dam of the similar winner McIvor, by Sempronius) and Robinetta (by Fair Play). Retained II, in turn, was produced from the Reform mare Reclare, making her a half sister to 1905 Alabama Stakes winner Tradition (by Goldfinch).
Books and media
Vito is profiled in Chapter 5 of Avalyn Hunter's American Classic Pedigrees 1914-2002 (2003, Eclipse Press).
Race record
18 starts, 6 wins, 3 seconds, 2 thirds, US$82,330
1927:
- Won Grand Union Hotel Stakes (USA, 6FD, Saratoga)
- 2nd Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (USA, 8FD, Churchill Downs)
- 3rd East View Stakes (USA, about 6FD, Empire City)
1928:
- Won Belmont Stakes (USA, 12FD, Belmont)
As an individual
A bay colt, Vito was reported by the New York Times of June 30, 1928, as having suffered a bowed tendon while in training following his Belmont win. A 1932 stud advertisement describes him as "probably the grandest looking Thoroughbred in Kentucky" and touts him as having an excellent disposition. The accompanying photograph suggests that he was a rangy, well-made individual with an excellent shoulder and legs slightly short for his height.
As a stallion
According to records kept by The Jockey Club, Vito sired 65 winners (54.2%) and 2 stakes winners (7.6%) from 120 named foals.
Connections
Foaled in Kentucky, Vito was bred and owned by Alfred Cosden. He was trained by Max Hirsch.
Pedigree notes
Vito is inbred 5x5 to seven-time English champion sire Hermit, winner of the 1867 Derby Stakes. He is a half brother to stakes winner Prince of Bourbon (by Prince Palatine). He is also a half brother to Lady Tony (by Black Toney), dam of stakes winner Sir Alfred (by Alfred the Great).
Vito's dam Forever is a half sister to 1918 American co-champion 2-year-old male Eternal (by Sweep) and to Cherrycote (by Broomstick), second dam of the good stakes mare Allie's Pal, 1941 California Derby winner Pirate and two other stakes winners. Forever was produced from the Sempronius mare Hazel Burke, whose dam Retained II (by Hamburg) also produced juvenile stakes winners Possession (by Requital; dam of the similar winner McIvor, by Sempronius) and Robinetta (by Fair Play). Retained II, in turn, was produced from the Reform mare Reclare, making her a half sister to 1905 Alabama Stakes winner Tradition (by Goldfinch).
Books and media
Vito is profiled in Chapter 5 of Avalyn Hunter's American Classic Pedigrees 1914-2002 (2003, Eclipse Press).
