An underwhelming showing by Engine Room at Gosford’s stand-alone meeting left trainer Bryce Heys puzzled, but things appear back on track ahead of his return at Randwick this Saturday.

The three-year-old had been heavily backed on wagering sites after stringing together two midweek victories, only to flop when stepping up to 1600m on May 10. After settling midfield, he began to hang out near the 1200m and gave jockey Alysha Collett a difficult ride, eventually finishing last after being unable to be tested 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.”

Engine Room is set to contest the Midway Handicap (1500m) at Randwick with a month between runs, and Heys is confident the freshen-up has worked wonders. Zac Lloyd will ride from barrier four.

“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.”

Heys also saddles up King Ratel in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1400m), with the veteran resuming from more than two years on the sidelines due to a leg injury.

“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.”

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