front runner

US /ˈfrʌnt ˌrʌn.ər/
UK /ˈfrʌnt ˌrʌn.ər/
"front runner" picture
1.

favori, chef de file

the person, animal, or organization that is most likely to win a race or competition

:
The candidate is currently the front runner in the polls.
Le candidat est actuellement le favori dans les sondages.
Our team is the front runner for the championship this year.
Notre équipe est le favori pour le championnat cette année.