front-runner
nounUK /ˌfrʌntˈrʌn.ər/
US /ˌfrʌntˈrʌn.ɚ/
The person or team most likely to win.
She is the front-runner in the school spelling bee.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The person or animal leading in a race.
The front-runner pulled ahead in the final lap.
3. A company or product that is ahead of its competitors.
Their new phone is the front-runner in sales this year.
4. A horse that likes to run at the front of the pack.
That front-runner set a fast pace from the start.