A master leading (5)

I believe the answer is:

ahead

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'leading' is the definition.
(to lead is to go ahead)

'a master' is the wordplay.
'master' becomes 'head' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'a'+'head'='AHEAD'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ahead that I've seen before include "Forwards" , "In the vanguard" , "likely to win?" , "in van" , "What's down the road" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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