Running easily, not fully galloping (6)

I believe the answer is:

loping

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'running easily' is the definition.
('lope' can be a synonym of 'run easily')

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for loping that I've seen before include "Running with long strides" , "Walking with long strides" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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