1.   Even Michigan State, the favorite going into Indianapolis, has trailed during the second half in three of its four games.

2.   He was hardly an overwhelming favorite going into the leadership elections.

3.   His achievements are all the more remarkable considering he never won the trials and was never the favorite going into the Games.

4.   This will make her the favorite going into the Oscar nominations next month.

5.   Yet, Holyfield was the favorite going into the fight.

6.   Day Trade made a run at the favorite going into the far turn and moved within three-quarters of a length of Rock and Roll.

7.   De La Hoya was a prohibitive favorite going into the ring against Castillejo, despite the fact the Spaniard had five successful title defenses.

8.   Morceli was the favorite going into the match race, owing to his specialty in middle distances while Gebrselassie is known more for the longer distances.

9.   Oddsmakers had installed Wesson as the slight favorite going into the final night.