frontrunner
nounUK /ˌfrʌntˈrʌn.ər/
US /ˌfrʌntˈrʌn.ɚ/
The frontrunner is the person or team that is winning or most likely to win.
She is the frontrunner in the race for class president.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A person who runs at the front of a group, such as in a race or parade.
The frontrunner set a fast pace for the other runners.
3. A horse that tends to run at the front of the pack during a race.
The frontrunner led the field for the first mile.
4. The leading product or idea in a market or competition.
Their new phone is the frontrunner in this year's sales.