Roman Dynasty victorious

Things are going so well for trainer Todd Pletcher this year that he can even win a graded stakes on dirt with a son of Theatrical.

Roman Dynasty, a son of the 1987 turf champion, rallied four wide on the turn and outfinished On Board Again and Valid Notebook to win the Grade 3, $107,300 Discovery handicap by a half-length before an on opening-day gathering of 2,374 at Aqueduct.

On Board Again finished second by 2 3/4 lengths over Valid Notebook after coming over on that horse in the stretch. The stewards posted the inquiry sign, but made no change.

The victory was the 53rd graded stakes win of the year for Pletcher, which ties the record set by his former boss D. Wayne Lukas in 1987.

Roman Dynasty didn't break very well and was last of five, but never more than four lengths off the early pace of Master of Disaster, who was pressed by Valid Notebook.

Roman Dynasty, under John Velazquez, launched a four-wide bid approaching the quarter pole and struck the front just outside the eighth pole. Roman Dynasty, owned by Allen Paulson Living Trust, covered the 1 1/8 miles 1:51.11 and returned $7.70 to win.