in the race

In a position to possibly win or succeed; in contention. I know you hoped to dance better today, but you weren't eliminated from the competition, so at least you're still in the race. George is in the race for the manager position, and he's the best candidate if you ask me. A: "I can't believe that team is still in the race." B: "I know, they've had just enough wins to possibly squeak into the playoffs as the lowest seed."