Excellent opening price? (5-4)

I believe the answer is:

first-rate

'excellent' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'opening price?' is the wordplay.
'opening' becomes 'first' (similar in meaning).
'price?' becomes 'rate' (I've seen this before).
'first'+'rate'='FIRST-RATE'

(Other definitions for first-rate that I've seen before include "Start fire to be really excellent" , "Top-class, excellent" , "Top-notch, excellent" , "Stir after to be really excellent" , "Prime" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app