Rising Romance can confirm Hong Kong Cup plans if she runs to expectations in the Zipping Classic at Sandown.

Co-trainer David Hayes is looking to take the last-start Mackinnon Stakes runner-up to Hong Kong for next month's Cup in which she would clash with stablemate Criterion, providing she performs well in Saturday's 2400m weight-for-age Group Two race.

The Zipping Classic field has been reduced to seven runners after the Darren Weir-trained Dandino, the early favourite, was scratched because of a recurrence of a suspensory injury.

Managing part-owner Darren Dance said the nine-year-old entire had more than likely run his last race after heat was detected in his off foreleg on Friday.

Rising Romance has assumed Zipping Classic favouritism as she bids to win for the first time this spring having come close with seconds in the Makybe Diva Stakes in September and last-start in the Mackinnon Stakes.

"Except for the blip on Caulfield Cup day when she was in season, she's been racing really well," Hayes said.

"Her Mackinnon Stakes run was fantastic. She drew wide and nearly got there, and I think she's got her hoof right on the till.

"And if she runs well, she'll be going to Hong Kong."

Rising Romance is nominated for both the Cup (2000m) and Vase (2400m) on International Day in Hong Kong, and Hayes said the Cup was the plan.

"She's been invited in the 2000 metre race," Hayes said.

"I know she comes back from a mile-and-a-half to 2000 metres very well.

"If she runs well, she'll go there."

Both the mare and Criterion have also been entered for the Arima Kinen in Japan on December 27.

Rising Romance failed in the Caulfield Cup two starts ago but bounced back in the Mackinnon to be narrowly denied by French horse Gailo Chop.

Five-year-old Rising Romance had blinkers on in the Mackinnon and Hayes, who trains in partnership with his nephew Tom Dabernig, said they have helped the mare concentrate.

"She just needs luck from that barrier," Hayes said.

Rising Romance, now the $2.80 favourite, will jump from the outside barrier.

Weir still has a genuine chance in the Zipping Classic with Tall Ship sharing the second line of betting at $3.60 with the Chris Waller-trained Who Shot Thebarman.