Historical clue formulations

• Slam-dunk — 2021-04-10
• Surefire winner — 2019-06-10
• Sure winner — 2018-06-08
• Lock — 2011-11-27
• Lock — 2010-02-11
• Sure thing — 2008-10-01
• Certain winner — 2006-08-04
• Unlikely loser — 2005-10-21
• Winner, for sure — 2005-02-13
• One who's way ahead in the polls — 2001-11-19
• More than a favorite — 2001-01-27
• Easy winner — 1996-07-24