Crossword Genius

Stage in which favourites turned up (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

step

'stage' is the definition.
(as in a step or stage of a process)

'favourites turned up' is the wordplay.
'favourites' becomes 'pets' ('pet' can be a synonym of 'favourite').
'turned up' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'pets' in reverse letter order is 'STEP'.

'in which' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for step that I've seen before include "Manner of walking" , "Prefix meaning related by remarriage" , "Football" , "Single pace" , "Section of flight" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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