41.   Alastair Wood, a Vanderbilt pharmacology professor known for his stringent views on drug safety, has emerged as a leading contender.

42.   All winter long, the unbeaten colt Afternoon Deelites and the champion Timber Country were considered the two leading contenders for the Kentucky Derby.

43.   Both guys agreed to fight the leading contender with no intervening bouts.

44.   Bulger, who is widely believed to be the leading contender for the job, has said publicly that he is intrigued by the possibility.

45.   But Gov. George W. Bush of Texas, who is considered the leading contender for the nomination, suggested that McCain should stick by the established rules.

46.   But in the fast-changing ecosystem of the news business, an anonymously sourced account about the leading Republican presidential contender lived as a news item.

47.   But some leading contenders have touted a variety of regional attractions that each hopes will tip the scales in its favor.

48.   But the leading Republican contender, George W. Bush, is also neatly positioned to capitalize on Clinton-Gore economic distress.

49.   But the Henry group had been considered the leading contender for the Red Sox because of its baseball connections.

50.   But the names of several leading contenders -- from within and outside the CDC -- are arleady being floated by insiders.