81.   The Preakness did pick up one serious contender in Victory Gallop, who finished a fast-closing second in the Derby.

82.   The process of building the Stars into a serious contender for the Stanley Cup begins in earnest tonight.

83.   The Republicans have a scrambled field laden with serious contenders.

84.   The serious Heisman contenders turned in serious performances in easier circumstances over the weekend.

85.   The SPF numbers are getting higher, and baby oil is slipping as a serious contender.

86.   The Spurs practically have to remind people that they are a serious contender for the NBA championship.

87.   The two most serious contenders are the Los Angeles Lakers and the Knicks, but no decision is imminent.

88.   The victory over Germany only proved the kind of serious contender this team is.

89.   The ultimate Democratic nominee, South Dakota Sen. George McGovern, was not yet a serious contender.

90.   The Yankees, Bavasi said, were never serious contenders.