Crossword Genius

A nut winning (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ahead

'winning' is the definition.
(both can mean in the lead)

'a nut' is the wordplay.
'nut' becomes 'head' (nut can mean one's head).
'a'+'head'='AHEAD'

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

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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