front runner

/frʌnt ˈrʌnər/
noun
  1. The person or thing that is most likely to win a competition, election, or race.
    • After the first debate, the senator emerged as the clear front-runner.
    • The company's new smartphone is the front-runner for product of the year.
    • She is the front-runner in the race for class president.
Antonyms