Crossword Genius

Coach starts to execute slow smooth stroke (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

caress

'stroke' is the definition.
(I know that caress is a type of stroke)

'coach starts to execute slow smooth' is the wordplay.
'coach' becomes 'car' (as in a train coach or car).
'starts to' indicates taking the first letters.
The initial letters of 'execute slow smooth' is 'ess'.
'car'+'ess'='CARESS'

(Other definitions for caress that I've seen before include "pet" , "Stroke lightly in a loving manner" , "pet[s]" , "Embrace with affection" , "Pat" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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