Crossword Genius

Process apt to go wrong, ignoring ace candidates (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

prospects

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

'candidates' is the definition.
(I know this)

'process apt to go wrong ignoring ace' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'ace' could be 'pro' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'pro' is present in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for prospects that I've seen before include "Explores for minerals" , "Searches" , "wide views" , "possible clients" , "Chances of success, outlooks" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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