Edwards Daring To Dream Ahead Of Group 1 Quest

TRY telling Victorian trainer Russell Edwards not to chase the loftiest of dreams.

At Wentworth Park on Saturday night, Edwards, who has only been training since 2017, lines up relative unknown Riptide Ruslie in a star-studded Group 1 Farrell's Association Cup Final (720m).

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The group 1 berth was booked after the son of My Redeemer ran an eye-catching second to Bandit Jane in the opening heat of the $75,000-to-the-winner series at his first Wentworth Park appearance.

But it wasn't just Riptide Ruslie which was making his Wentworth Park debut, with the Sydney sojourn the first time Edwards had stepped foot onto the bright lights of the famed Glebe circuit also.

Here's the box draw for the G1 Farrell's Association Cup!#thedogs #GEE @wentyparkgreys @ladbrokescomau @tabcomau @sportsbetcomau @TopSport_com_au @NedsAus @BlueBetAu @PalmerbetAU pic.twitter.com/hGjKAYGSyD

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) April 1, 2023

"No I'd never been to Wentworth Park – I needed the Navman to get us there and it even sent me the wrong way a few times," Edwards said.

"Second time around this week It'll be a bit easier and I'm really looking forward to the whole experience.

"To make a group 1 final is hard to put into words. Whatever the result I already feel like a winner. Anything from here is just a bonus. A huge thrill."

It was in October last year that Edwards rounded out a 40-year career with Woolworths to take up training on a full-time basis.

And the Langwarrin-based conditioner has enjoyed immediate results, largely through the deeds of exciting litter-brothers Riptide Ruslie and Bruce's Ruslie.

Bruce's Ruslie, a winner of six races and with “every bit the ability” of his brother Riptide Ruslie, was named after a late friend of Edwards' who sadly passed away from prostate cancer six years ago.

In a fitting tribute, half the prize money earned by Bruce's Ruslie now goes towards Prostate Cancer Research.

"Bruce's Ruslie is in at Sandown on Thursday night over the 715 metres so hopefully it's the start of a big few days," Edwards added.

"They've always been dogs that needed more ground so the best is still ahead of them now they're up over further."

At $34 for Saturday night's Association Cup – tackling some of the giants of the training ranks – Edwards is very much aware of the enormity of the task ahead.

Team Lord has started off the night with a bang! Bandit Jane won the opening Farrell's Association Cup Heat and Cawbourne Magic took out heat 2 in a hot 41.61 ? How's that for a return?!

#thedogs #GEE #LGEE #greyhoundracing @wentyparkgreys pic.twitter.com/euBOBdlMKI

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) April 1, 2023

But he's warned punters not to let his up-and-coming stayer totally under their guard heading into the $75,000-to-the-winner decider.

"He's got another gear to what we saw the other night and he's come through the run great," the trainer said.

"Box four is his best performing box and if he travels up like the angel he did last week he can give a good account of himself.

"The longer run up on the lure in NSW caught him out the other night so he didn't begin as well as he usually does so we'll do a bit of work on that this week and hopefully he begins better.

"Whatever the result he'll do myself and partner Julie (Allen) proud. He always does. We are just looking forward to the whole experience. Whatever the result it's a career highlight!"