Crossword Genius

Little known candidate's a nightmare? (4,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dark horse

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

'little known candidate's' is the definition.
'dark horse' can be an answer for 'candidate's' (dark horse is a kind of candidate). I am not sure about the 'little known' bit.

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dark horse that I've seen before include "Unfancied winner" , "unexpectedly successful entry" , "Black Beauty, for instance" , "Successful competitor of whom little was known, like colourless equine" , "Unexpected (possible) winner" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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