be in the race
To be in a position of having the opportunity to succeed or win; to be in contention. I know you hoped to dance better today, but they didn't cut you, so at least you're still in the race.
be in the race
have a chance of success. Australian & New Zealand informal 1953 T. A. G. Hungerford Riverslake ‘See that bloke?’ He pointed down the road after the vanished car. ‘A few years ago he wouldn't have been in the race to own a car like that.’