Possible Clues:

• Old seed we're told to do well
• Go past expectations
• Outdo former journalist describing church
• Outperform
• Go one better than old lover with offspring, as you may say
• Will top the poll, for example, coming back - Dublin community vote is behind Bertie?
• Top or formerly highly-rated player, we hear
• Outstrip
• Surpass the has-been tennis player, by the sound of it?
• Outdo former wife with children, say