Crossword Genius

Backing the favourites to show some pace (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

step

'some pace' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'backing the favourites' is the wordplay.
'backing' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'the favourites' becomes 'pets' ('pet' can be a synonym of 'favourite').
'pets' backwards is 'STEP'.

'to show' is the link.

(Other definitions for step that I've seen before include "Footprint" , "short distance" , "Place foot on as with a pest" , "Measure taken" , "Part of a stairway" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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