(a) Within 20 days of the filing of the notice of trial, if the notice of motion for a special preference is filed therewith, or within 10 days of the service of a notice of motion to obtain a preference, if served and filed subsequent to service and filing of the notice of trial, any other party may serve upon all other parties and file with the clerk affidavits and other relevant papers, with proof of service, in opposition to granting the preference. In the event such opposing papers are filed, the party applying for the preference may, within five days thereafter, serve and file in like manner papers in rebuttal.

(b) In any action which has been accorded a preference in trial upon a motion filed with the clerk, the court shall not be precluded, on its own motion at any time thereafter, from restoring the action to its regular calendar position on the ground that the action is not entitled to a preference under these rules.

(c) Notwithstanding the failure of any party to oppose the application, no preference shall be granted by default unless the court finds that the action is entitled to a preference.