1.   Although the chemicals are still strong favorites among German and U.S. investors, they are likely to cede their position at the vanguard of rising shares.

2.   And Secret Status is the strong favorite.

3.   As a strong favorite for re-election as Bronx borough president, Ferrer still has an excellent future in city politics.

4.   As to the future, the chancellor is the strong favorite to be re-elected next year, partly because the Christian Democratic Party remains in considerable disarray.

5.   As the campaign has proceeded, the army has made clear its preference for former Foreign Minister Abdelaziz Bouteflika, making him a strong favorite.

6.   Because the west Houston district is heavily Republican, the winner will be considered a strong favorite in November.

7.   Allard is the strong favorite to win the nomination, but either way, Democrats have an uphill battle for the seat.

8.   Gramm, a son of neighboring Texas, boasts an extensive grass-roots organization and is considered the strong favorite.

9.   Georgetown is a strong favorite over Georgia Tech because it has so much depth to feed its race-horse offense and full-court defense.

10.   He righted his campaign, regained the momentum he enjoyed before New Hampshire and re-emerged as a strong favorite to win the Republican presidential nomination.