front runner
or front-run·ner, front·run·ner
noun
a person who leads in any competition.
an entrant in a race who breaks to the front immediately and establishes the pace for the field.
an entrant in a race who performs well only when ahead of the field.
Origin of front runner
An Americanism dating back to 1935–40
Words nearby front runner
front projection,
front range,
front room,
front row,
front royal,
front runner,
front up,
front walkover,
front-drive,
front-end,
front-end load