Metal in first place (4)
I believe the answer is:
lead
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'metal' is the first definition.
(lead is a kind of metal)
'in first place' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)
(Other definitions for lead that I've seen before include "Sort of poisoning" , "chain" , "Travel in front of" , "Metal - van - important role" , "Accompany to show the way" .)