Trainer Chris Waller expects The Autumn Sun to justify his status as a prime contender for the Group One JJ Atkins Stakes at Doomben in a lead-up race at Randwick.

Sydney’s premier trainer plays a strong hand in Saturday’s Energy Air Plate (1400m), where The Autumn Sun is expected to build on his winning debut at Randwick on Anzac Day.

The Autumn Sun is the $5 joint TAB favourite with stablemate Zousain for the $600,000 JJ Atkins over 1600m at Doomben on June 9.

“He’s a very promising colt, and if he’s to win a JJ Atkins you’d expect him to be hard to beat on Saturday, which we do,” said Waller, during his online stable update.

Brenton Avdulla takes over the reins from Kerrin McEvoy, who rides at Doomben, and he launches the $2.40 favourite on Thursday from barrier two of 11.

“Brenton rode him on Monday morning and was very taken by the horse, all looks well with a good draw,” Waller said.