A: Who do you think will be the new manager?

    B: The boss likes John. Since he’s got the inside track, John will probably be the new office manager.

    Note: This idiom refers to an advantage gained through special connections, special knowledge, or favoritism. Typically we say “get/have the inside track” or “give someone the inside track.” It originally refers to the innermost track in a horse race. Around curves, the inside track is shorter than tracks on the outer side. Therefore, “gaining the inside track” means gaining an advantage in a race or any competitive situation.