Trainer Bryce Heys was left scratching his head after Engine Room’s unexpected failure at Gosford, but with the three-year-old showing good signs since, he’s confident of a better result this weekend at Randwick.

Following two strong midweek wins, Engine Room went around as the wagering sites favourite for a 1600m race on May 10. However, he hung out badly mid-race and gave Alysha Collett little chance to guide him, trailing home last after being untestable in the straight.

“He obviously had to go back to the trials and he went straight back there three days later on a tight-turning track and was tractable enough, so no problems there,” Heys said.

“There was nothing wrong with the horse post-Gosford, hence why I went to the trials straight away, just to get him back on track and reset.

“He looks great and we’re happy to go again.”

Heys has given Engine Room a four-week gap heading into Saturday’s Midway Handicap (1500m), where Zac Lloyd takes the ride from a favourable draw.

“For whatever reason, he has appreciated the time given to him and he presents really well for Saturday,” he said.

“He has definitely got some progression about him. There’s no doubting he has still got a bit to learn but he’s a nice horse and given what we’ve been through, we just want to get him back on track.”

Veteran stablemate King Ratel also returns on Saturday in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1400m), his first run in more than two years after a soft-tissue injury halted his career.

“He is naturally a very athletic horse and a horse we have never seen the best of,” Heys said.

“There is no doubt he will need the run but he has run well fresh before and he is going well.

“He definitely still has something to offer.”

If you’re keen to follow Engine Room’s bounce-back run or King Ratel’s comeback, check out the best betting apps and sites for updated odds and promotions this weekend.