Crossword Genius

Like the chance a slow starter has to finish a winner? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

slender

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'like' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'chance a slow starter has to finish a winner?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'starter' could be 'l' (as in a learner driver with L-plates on their car) and 'l' is found within the answer.
'finish' could be 'end' (synonyms) and 'end' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ser' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for slender that I've seen before include "Willowy" , "Meagre" , "Feeble" , "Faint" , "Barely sufficient; thin" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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