THE REST of the United States is catching up with New York’s obsession with “Project Runway.” The Bravo show is posting better numbers than ever – the bean counters are happy – but the good news for “Runway” fans is that this year’s crop of designers is more assured and the challenges more clever than ever. With a narrowed field, the show is just about to get really competitive. Here’s how the pros at betting web!site bodog.com ranked the designers’ chances:

KAYNE GILLASPIE – Odds: 8-1

An heir to firstseason winner Jay McCarroll, Kayne is a wild card that the judges can’t resist.

MICHAEL KNIGHT – Odds: 6-5

The two-time winner has the judges’ falling all over him and his elegant, wearable designs. Is he too early a favorite or king of the finish line?

LAURA BENNETT – Odds: 5-4

Her tailoring is impeccable. And so was that of last year’s winner, Chloe Dao. A real threat to Michael.

ULI HERZNER – Odds: 4-1

She’s the queen of diaphanous prints and she mixes them beautifully. Uli will emerge as a quiet contender.

JEFFREY SEBELIA – Odds: 4-1

Edgy Jeffrey likes being the bad boy of this “Runway.” But bad boys seldom win on this show.

VINCENT LIBRETTI – Odds: 25-1

The dark horse. His smashing success designing for Uli’s mother will carry him a long way.