COULD MEEKER INHERIT AN EARLIER START TIME FOR RACES ON NBC?

          Triple Crown races may "start one hour later next year
     under a proposal" from NBC, according to Rick Snider of the
     THOROUGHBRED TIMES.  Churchill Downs CEO Tom Meeker
     confirmed NBC's request for a later start time when it gains
     TV rights to the Triple Crown series next year.  NBC "wants
     to sandwich coverage" of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness
     Stakes and Belmont Stakes between its NBA playoff coverage
     from 5:30-7:00pm ET, with post time for the races at "about"
     6:30pm ET.  MD Jockey Club President Joe De Francis and
     Meeker said they would consider the plan, as both "said they
     see no immediate downside to delaying the race for an hour,"
     since it "could increase wagering and television ratings on
     the West Coast."  NTRA Commissioner Tim Smith supports the
     time change: "Television experts would tell you if it's
     worth a rating point, that's a million more households.  I
     don't see any downside" (THOROUGHBRED TIMES, 5/10).