Welcome to Kentucky Derby Prospect Profiles, where we take a look each week at a recent winner on the Road to the Derby schedule from which racehorses earn points toward qualifying for the 1 ¼-mile classic race May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs.
Native Diver: California’s Homegrown Horse Racing Superstar
Throughout the long history of horse racing in the United States, California has produced an abundance of locally bred stars.
Jack Van Berg: A Hall of Famer and a True Horseman
Racing Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg passed away on Dec. 27, 2017, at age 81. The Kentucky Derby-winning trainer who ranks fourth all-time in career wins in North America was profiled by America’s Best Racing correspondent Tom Pedulla in 2014. Van Berg reflected on the influence of his father, Marion, on his superstar horse from the 1980s, Alysheba, and on his enduring passion for the sport.
BAR 1 Betting Hatton’s Grace Hurdle-Grade 1-14.36 Fairyhouse
BAR 1 Betting Hatton’s Grace Hurdle (Grade 1) 14.36 Fairyhouse:
Teahupoo commands respect in this renewal, seeking a historic third successive victory in the Hatton’s Grace after triumphs in 2022 and 2023.
Denied by a top-class rival last year, he rebounded emphatically with runner-up finishes in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and a Grade 1 at Punchestown, confirming his peak fitness and class over this stamina-testing trip.
The good to soft going is precisely his preference, as demonstrated by those recent efforts on similar surfaces, and his two prior successes here underline a profound affinity for Fairyhouse’s searching gallop and uphill finish.
Gordon Elliott’s stable is in tremendous order, and Jack Kennedy’s sympathetic handling will allow him to dictate comfortably, conserving energy for a late flourish.
Ballyburn poses the most compelling danger, returning to hurdles after a season over fences that failed to match his exceptional novice exploits of 2023/24, including Grade 1 wins at Leopardstown, Cheltenham, and Punchestown.
That trio of victories showcased his blistering acceleration and jumping precision, and the switch back to smaller obstacles could unlock his best once more, especially as he quickened decisively on good to soft ground in those races.
Willie Mullins’ novices often thrive on seasonal debuts, and while Fairyhouse is untested for him, the track’s rhythm should suit his fluent style under Paul Townend.
Mystical Power brings serious credentials from his novice campaign, with a second in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham followed by Grade 1 successes at Aintree and Punchestown, where he powered clear on yielding ground.
Recent efforts have been below that level, but a fresh start could see him regain that electric turn of foot, and the good to soft conditions align with his proven affinity for cut in the turf.
Mullins’ second string here, Mark Walsh will need to plot a trouble-free passage, but his tactical versatility suggests he can challenge strongly if the pace heats up.
Casheldale Lad has progressed sharply this term for Gordon Elliott, building on a Flat background with a wide-margin maiden hurdle win at Gowran in November and a dominant novice success at Listowel, followed by another impressive display at Down Royal last month.
Those victories came on yielding to soft ground, indicating suitability for today’s conditions, and his bold-jumping front-running manner could exploit any gaps.
Lacking Fairyhouse experience, but Elliott’s juveniles adapt quickly, and Jordan Gainford’s positive ride will keep him prominent.
Maxxum arrives with course form in his favour, having landed a Grade 2 novice hurdle here at the Easter meeting on soft ground, travelling powerfully before quickening away with authority.
That effort highlighted his stamina and fluency over this trip, and while a fall at Punchestown interrupted his summer, recent schooling suggests sharpness.
Elliott’s third representative, he handles good to soft well from prior runs, and Danny Gilligan’s light touch could see him stay on stoutly if the leaders go off too hard.
Glen Kiln rounds out the field as a progressive sort for David Kelly, having bolted up in a Navan handicap last December before a solid second behind a high-class winner in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown just last weekend on soft ground.
That quick return showed his current well-being, and the good to soft here should suit his grinding style, though the class rise tests his limits.
No prior Fairyhouse runs, but Brian Hayes’ experience will aid his positioning on this galloping track.
Simulation Results:
Teahupoo prevailed in 36% of iterations, his track mastery and staying power proving decisive.
Ballyburn followed at 30%, his novice brilliance shining through on the return.
Mystical Power at 18% captured his upside from elite juvenile form.
Casheldale Lad at 8% recognised his rapid ascent and boldness.
Maxxum at 5% valued his local win but recent setback.
Glen Kiln at 3% acknowledged his grit yet class ceiling.
These percentages correspond to fair odds of 5/4 Teahupoo, 2/1 Ballyburn, 9/2 Mystical Power, 11/1 Casheldale Lad, 19/1 Maxxum, and 33/1 Glen Kiln.
Best bet: Teahupoo.
Value selection: Mystical Power, at 12/1 surpassing the fair 9/2, delivering substantial appeal in a contest where revitalised talents have frequently delivered surprise results. Cashdale Lad also on a bit of a stream from Early odds in the 20s or above.
