A winner, albeit at reduced pace (3)

I believe the answer is:

ace

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'a winner' is the definition.

'albeit at reduced pace' is the wordplay.
'ACE' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am uncertain how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ace that I've seen before include "Entertain" , "Tennis serve that the receiver can't reach" , "even higher than the king" , "One in a suit" , "star" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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