FORMER top amateur rider Rebeka Prest will step up to the professional ranks with a full book of rides at Tumut on Friday.

After eight years on the picnics circuit, Prest has made the big career move and has five rides for her debut.

Prest started her apprenticeship under Wagga trainer Chris Heywood but because of her success as an amateur, where she's ridden more than 80 winners, she won't be eligible for a claim.

Becoming a professional rider was always on the cards for the 28-year-old, but it wasn't until she joined Heywood's stable that her plans progressed.

"I've always been going to but just haven't," she said.

"Moving to Wagga and working for Chris put the opportunity out there for me.

"My weight came down really good so I thought there was no time like the present."

Prest will be available for rides at 54 kilograms and as she progresses to the professional ranks is expecting a few changes on the track.

"It will be different," she said.

"(Picnics) gives me a little more experience.

"The picnics have good crowds so it will be much of a muchness in that respect, but a little bit more pressure and seriousness."

The 28-year-old has five rides today and likes some of her chances.

"Chris has given me three and Bill Hayes, who I've ridden for a few times at the picnics, has given me the other two," she said.

"I've got a couple of good chances with Baldy Bay and Wild Win."

Heywood is expecting Prest will find her feet quickly among the professional ranks.

"She will match it up with them," Heywood said.

"She might take a few meetings to get into the swing of things because it's a big difference between picnics and professionals, but Bek is more than capable."