There was plenty of talk surrounding Jackson (SAF) in the Gr 1 Investec Cape Derby over 2000m at Kenilworth on Saturday and it proved well founded as the son of Dynasty (SAF) won his much-anticipated match race with Guineas winner Variety Club (SAF) in impressive style. Tribal Dance (SAF) ran on well for third ahead of Potala Palace (SAF).

Variety Club once again broke best of the field and led briefly before eventually settling on the fence in fourth as Mushreq went out to make the running from Stone Pine and Alula Borealis. Jackson also enjoyed a rails run, sitting immediately behind Variety Club while Potala Palace raced somewhat keenly to his outside.

Mushreq continued to roll in the straight but was eventually passed by Variety Club about 400m out. Jackson had his main rival well within his sights, though, and started to loom ominously to his outside. It became a two-horse race inside the last furlong but Jackson's superior stamina settled the issue and he ran on strongly to record a convincing win.

The race capped a dream summer campaign for jockey Karis Teetan and trainer Brett Crawford who had already notched up a Gr 1 success earlier this month with Thunder Dance in the Paddock Stakes, to go with a couple of other minor features. As for Jackson, he certainly looks a horse with a future and emulated his sire in winning this coveted classic. Dynasty, of course, had a legion of fans during his racing days as he went about establishing himself as a true champion, and they will be pleased to see him passing on his ability to his progeny like this. One can only guess how much improvement there is still to come as Jackson only has five runs under his belt, of which he has now won four, and he is set to be a big player as the rest of the season unfolds.

Variety Club was beaten fair and square but was far from disgraced. His chances here always hinged on his stamina and he had no chance with the winner over this trip. He will no doubt enjoy a well-earned rest after  what has been a tough summer and one presumes he will target the big races over a mile and thereabouts during the winter.

Tribal Dance emerged with plenty of credit with third. He filled a similar position behind Jackson in the Politician Stakes but faced a much stiffer task at the weights this time around. He's clearly improved coming into this race and will find much easier opportunities than this to land his next win.

Potala Palace and fifth-placed Mushreq were both found out for finishing speed and the latter was entitled to tire late after running well for a long way out in front. Their respective trainers have mentioned them as horses looking for a bit of ground and they should go into the notebook for the SA Derby later this season.

3 b c Dynasty - Moonlit Prairie (USA) by Cozzene (USA)
Owners: Messrs I W Longmore & W J C Mitchell
Bred by Highlands Farms Stud (Pty) Ltd
Winning trainer: Brett Crawford