Trainer Brett Crawford's Investec Cape Derby winner Jackson has made an early start to his bid to win the Vodacom Durban July.

The R1 million, Grade 1, Cape Guineas(1600m) is normally the testing ground of the best of the three-year-old crop in any given year.

All the big guns have been entered for the R2,5 million J & B Met to be run over 2000m at Kenilworth on January 28 with the race given an international flavour with the entry of Chester Vase winner and Irish Derby runner-up Golden Sword.

The three year old, who was considered the pick of the possible 2010 July contenders, before his racing career was abruptly ended by a fracture, appeared back to his best as he took the Ocean Basket Green Point Stakes (1600m) in fine style.