Kayla Crowther hoping to capitalise on key rides in features race over the weekend

Talented young rider Kayla Crowther is hoping to make the most of some big opportunities across two states over the long weekend, culminating in the Group 2 Adelaide Cup at Morphettville.

Kayla Crowther returns to the mounting yard at Sandown after winning aboard exciting prospect Terbium in February. Picture: Pat Scala/Racing Photos via Getty Images

• Bondeiger’s perfect Adelaide Cup draw

Talented young rider Kayla Crowther is hoping to make the most of some big opportunities across two states over the long weekend.

Crowther rides exciting SA-bred filly Really Discreet in Saturday’s $200,000 Group 2 Sires’ Produce Stakes at Flemington on Australia Cup Day for boss Phillip Stokes before returning to Adelaide to partner October Date in the $400,000 Group 2 Adelaide Cup at Morphettville.

Crowther said being given the chance to ride in a Group 2 in Melbourne for Stokes alongside some of the sport’s biggest names like Craig Williams and Brett Prebble was exciting.

“That’s a massive opportunity,’’ Crowther said.

“She’s a really talented filly who has drawn a great gate, it looks a lovely race for her,’’ she said.

Kayla Crowther returns to the mounting yard at Sandown after winning aboard exciting prospect Terbium in February. Picture: Pat Scala/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Crowther, who won last year’s The Advertiser/Channel 7 Junior Sports Star of the Year, said getting the Adelaide Cup ride aboard October Date came out of the blue.

“He was a pick-up ride last week (in the Lord Reims Stakes) and I am lucky enough to stick with him in the Adelaide Cup,’’ Crowther said.

“He should be able to stay the 3200m,’’ she said.

Crowther, who recently made the decision to move from Adelaide to Melbourne to further her career said riding against the cream in Victoria was a huge benefit to her career.

“The travel is easy, it’s obviously a lot busier but it’s going really well,’’ she said.

“I’m learning a lot, mainly from other jockeys.

“It’s a totally different ball game, it’s completive in Adelaide but not like it is here in Victoria, rides aren’t guaranteed.

She said joining forces with Stokes’ growing stable at Pakenham was only increasing opportunities and exposure.

“We went form having 20 to over 40 horses here very quickly,’’ Crowther added.

“Even just riding work with people like John Allen has been a real help.

“I went to Ballarat on Wednesday to ride trackwork for Ciaron Maher and Matt Cumani so that was good and things are heading the right way,’’ she said.