Crossword Genius

Virtue of a dubious front runner (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

favourite

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

'front runner' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'virtue of a dubious' is the wordplay.
'dubious' is an anagram indicator.
'virtue'+'of'+'a'='virtueofa'
'virtueofa' with letters rearranged gives 'FAVOURITE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for favourite that I've seen before include "Preferred" , "that attracts lots of money" , "leading contender" , "Specially dear person - likely winner" , "Sir Walter Raleigh was one" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.