Crossword Genius

Brunette seen with Arab -- mysterious candidate (4,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dark horse

'mysterious candidate' is the definition.
(I know that dark horse is a type of mysterious candidate)

'brunette seen with arab' is the wordplay.
'brunette' becomes 'dark' (similar in meaning).
'seen with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'arab' becomes 'horse' (I've seen this in another clue).
'dark'+'horse'='DARK HORSE'

(Other definitions for dark horse that I've seen before include "unexpectedly successful entry" , "Candidate, not well known" , "Brown heroin" , "Unfancied winner" , "Black Beauty, for instance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.