Equity question

[Rooger]

Just exited a tournament with the following hand - I had 77.
I was surprised that KQs was the favourite in this hand - is there an easy explanation to this?

equity (%) win (%) tie (%)
Hand 1: 32.6234 % 32.53% 00.09% { 77 }
Hand 2: 31.0421 % 30.95% 00.09% { AJo }
Hand 3: 36.3345 % 36.24% 00.09% { KQs }

[yellowjack]

The 77 has a race vs. 4 overcards.
AJ can make a pair or one straight.
KQ can make a pair or two straights, or a flush.

When AJ and KQ hit a pair, they're split. If the ace hits and K or Q hits, then AJ wins. If the jack hits and a K or Q hits, then KQ wins.

[PaultheS]

In other words, the AJo's main advantage without the 77 around is it will win unimproved. In this case, both AJo and KQs need to improve to win, and KQs has a better chance of improving.