Hall of Fame trainer David Hayes reckons it's a couple of decades since he's had to muck out boxes at a stable.

That could change unless he and co-trainer Tom Dabernig hold off Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir in the spring trainers' premiership at Sandown on Saturday.

Hayes and Dabernig, who won the inaugural spring trainers' premiership 12 months ago, lead Weir by half a point going into the final day of the series held over 12 designated meetings.

Hayes said on Friday a friendly side bet between himself and Weir on the outcome would mean the loser having to muck out boxes at the other's stables for an hour.

"I was thinking about it, it's definitely been 20-odd years," Hayes said.

"I did a lot of it as a young fella, but I haven't done it for a while. Since I've been paying people, I refuse to do boxes.

"I thought I had Weiry covered and then he pulled out that 100-1 shot Melbourne Cup winner."

Rising Romance has assumed Zipping Classic favouritism after the Weir-trained Dandino was scratched on Friday.

Weir still has Tall Ship in the race and has a number of other runners on the day including in-form Mahuta in the Sandown Guineas.

The winner of the spring trainers' premiership receives $25,000 while another $25,000 is donated to their nominated charity.

Hayes and Dabernig's charity partner is Aussie Helpers, while Weir's is Down Syndrome Victoria.