Cod, for example — better choice ultimately (4)
I believe the answer is:
cape
'cod for example' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'better choice ultimately' is the wordplay.
'better' becomes 'cap' (both can mean to beat somebody else's attempt).
'ultimately' suggests the final letters.
The final letter of 'choice' is 'e'.
'cap'+'e'='CAPE'
(Other definitions for cape that I've seen before include "Cod, for example" , "Loose cloak or promontory" , "Cloak; head" , "Shoulders? They're covered in it" , "Batman has one" .)