The countdown to the 2023 Golden Slipper begins in earnest at Rosehill with the return of nominal favourite King’s Gambit in the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes.

The colt has sat atop Slipper markets since his scintillating win in the Debutant Stakes at Caulfield in October and makes his Sydney debut on Saturday in a race that will determine whether he returns to Melbourne for a Blue Diamond Stakes campaign.

“He’s in good shape. He trialled well and we’ve been happy with his work since the trial,” co-trainer Peter Snowden said.

“He is meeting, not a big field, but what looks a pretty slick field.

“There are some sharp horses there so we will get a good read on where he’s at at the moment and work out where best to go with him.”

King’s Gambit is raced in almost identical interests to stablemate Don Corleone, an impressive debut winner at Randwick last Saturday.

Both appear to be high-class two-year-olds and their connections are keen to keep them on separate paths for as long as possible.

King’s Gambit, to be ridden by champion hoop James Mcdonald, is a prohibitive $1.40 favourite for the Canonbury Stakes (1100m) and Snowden says the I Am Invincible youngster is showing the hallmarks of being an outstanding two-year-old.

“The really good ones have a demeanour to match their ability,” Snowden said.

“They’re sensible, they’re tractable, they’re good to work with and that’s why you can get the best out of them.

“This fellow, so far he is ticking those boxes.”

The fillies will get the chance to press their Golden Slipper claims in the Widden Stakes (1100m) which has attracted a field of 12 headed by Annabel Neasham-trained first starter Learning To Fly.

The youngster has trialled impressively, defeating Gimcrack Stakes runner-up and Saturday’s rival Perfect Proposal in their most recent hitout, prompting bookmakers to install her a $3.50 favourite.