comer

One in a race who is catching up to others and shows promise of winning.

Noun

One in a race who is catching up to others and shows promise of winning.
An ambitious person; one who is catching up in some contest and has a likelihood of victory;
- This guy is is a real comer. - 1980, Paul Schrader, American Gigolo, spoken by Mrs. Laudner (Frances Bergen):
- The transition from comer to also-ran can be quick. - 2004 August 9, The New Yorker, page 40:
- Django, then, was not just a comer; he was a cause. - 2004 December 6, The New Yorker, page 105:
One who arrives.
- The champ will face all comers.
- It was soon apparent that no every day comer was at the door. One servant whispered […] it was the bishop […] - 1857, Anthony Trollope, Barchester Towers:
- Sullivan went on an unprecedented barnstorming tour across the country, taking on all comers and offering $1,000 to anyone who stayed four rounds, Queensberry rules. - 1959 August, American Heritage, volume 10, number 5:

From Middle English comere, equivalent to come + -er.