Blue Bajan

Andy Turnell is keeping his fingers crossed the rain stays away from Wincanton as he prepares to saddle Blue Bajan in the totescoop6 Elite Hurdle.

The seven-year-old warmed up for this return to obstacles with a fine display on the level at Newmarket last month, finishing fourth in the Group Three Jockey Club Cup.

"I'm very pleased with him and everything has gone to plan, we just don't want any more rain," said Turnell.

"He ran a good race at Newmarket last time and I think if Frankie (Dettori) had known him better, he might have nearly won. That run would have sharpened him up and he came out of it well, so I couldn't be happier with him."

A classy field of seven are set to go to post for the two-mile contest including last season's Champion Hurdle runner-up Celestial Halo, who is forced to concede weight all round.

Donald McCain is represented by smart mare Whiteoak, while Katies Tuitor, Tasheba, Marodima and Cesarewitch second Mamlook complete the field.