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.

Turnell believes that run has left his charge spot-on for his latest assignment and is confident of a bold show if conditions are in his favour.

"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 to be perfectly honest."

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.