Zito gives Frammento another chance to shine

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Though Frammento finished last in the Grade 2 Jim Dandy – his eighth straight defeat – trainer Nick Zito is going to run him back in the Grade 1 Travers on Aug. 29.

Zito, who has a record of 1-5-4 from 27 Travers starters, said that if the late-running Frammento has anything in his favor, it’s his desire to get the 1 1/4-mile Travers distance.

“Horses that can for sure go a distance of ground, you almost have to keep trying,” Zito said. “These races come up once a year.”

Zito put a sharp half-mile work in 46.80 seconds into Frammento last weekend and plans a similar breeze with him this weekend.

“He has to work the same way or somewhat like it,” Zito said. “This is the way I got to train him. I don’t think he has to be that far [back].”

In addition to Frammento, those pointing to the Travers include Texas Red, Frosted, Keen Ice, Upstart, Smart Transition, Madefromlucky, King of New York, and Tale of Verve.

Of course, the complexion of the Travers depends on the starting status of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, whose connections are expected to make a decision after he has a workout Sunday at Del Mar.