Crossword Genius

Blooming apple drink said to be no favourite (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

outsider

'be no favourite' is the definition.
(an outsider isn't the favourite in a race)

'blooming apple drink said' is the wordplay.
'blooming' becomes 'out' (plants which have bloomed are 'out').
'apple drink' becomes 'cider' (I've seen this before).
'said' shows a homophone (sound like).
'cider' sounds like 'sider'.
'out'+'sider'='OUTSIDER'

'to' is the link.

(Other definitions for outsider that I've seen before include "Not one of the in-crowd" , "Contestant who hasn't much of a chance" , "Someone excluded" , "expected to be unsuccessful" , "Unfancied competitor" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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