The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word BEATER
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
B
E
A
T
E
R
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "One to raise game/winner" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case one to raise game/winner = beater.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does BEATER mean?
BEATER noun- Someone or something that beats.
- A kitchen implement for mixing.
- A stick used to play a percussion instrument.
- A person who drives game towards shooters in a hunting party, often working in a group.
- A papermaking machine for processing fibres by fibrillation in order to improve bonding strength
- An automobile in poor operating condition.
- A weaving tool designed to push the weft yarn securely into place. It contains the comb-like insert reed and is sometimes a part of the loom.
- A harp seal pup after its first moult and before its second moult.
- A sleeveless undershirt.