Moore worried about weight

Gary Moore has expressed his concern that Verasi may be in the handicapper’s grip ahead of the Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle at Sandown tomorrow.

The five-year-old has racked up consecutive course-and-distance victories and was last seen winning the William Hill Handicap Hurdle with two and a half lengths to spare from Cherub, who also lines up at the Esher course.

“He’s in great form, preparations have gone well, and I couldn’t be happier with him,” said the Brighton-based handler.

“He goes on the ground and he goes on the track – it was a great effort in the William Hill and I was over the moon with that.

“My one concern is the massive weight rise as to go up 10lb for a two-and-a-half-length win is ridiculous.

“I hope I’m proven wrong because we’ve got nothing to fear going there – it should be interesting anyway.”