1.   Billions of dollars are at stake this year as Congress works out legislation to vastly overhaul the telecommunications industry.

2.   A lot is at stake this year, including the White House and control of the House where Republicans hold a narrow majority.

3.   A sale of the entire stake this year doubtless would help the government meet its pledge of producing a budget surplus.

4.   Cigar came into the Gold Cup having won eight consecutive races, including six stakes this year, all by no less than two lengths.

5.   Lukas also gave Smith the mount on the top sprinter Snow Ridge, on whom he has won four stakes this year.

6.   And Toyota has raised the stakes this year, with cars powered by the Nagoya-based manufacturer winning two of the first three CART races run this year.

7.   None of the Spiral horses has won a graded stakes this year.