Time switch for Cox Plate

Sportal October 18, 2012, 2:14 pm

The 2012 Cox Plate has been brought forward to accommodate broadcaster Channel Nine, after the free-to-air channel dug its heels in on the issue.

The Group 1 weight-for-age championship over 2040 metres at Moonee Valley will now start at 5.15pm on October 27, not 5.35pm as originally advertised, with Nine's telecast expected to conclude shortly after at 5.30pm.

Nine cited their usual Saturday 5.30pm program, Getaway, as their preferred show to lead-in to the national news, an important ratings timeslot for the broadcaster.

The opening race of Cox Plate day will remain at 1pm, with the last - race nine - set to begin at 6pm, meaning the free-to-air telecast will miss the two bookending races of the card.

The race has held the 5.35pm timeslot for the past two years, as the Moonee Valley Racing Club continues its gradual progression to turn the Cox Plate into a night race.

The Gai Waterhouse-trained Pierro remains favourite for the Group 1 race, despite the colt's shock loss in the Caulfield Guineas on Saturday.

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