Slacken pace in southern base (4)

I believe the answer is:

slow

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'slacken pace' is the definition.
'slow' can be an answer for 'slacken' (synonyms). I am not certain of the 'pace' bit.

'southern base' is the wordplay.
'southern' becomes 's' (abbreviation).
'base' becomes 'low' (synonyms).
's'+'low'='SLOW'

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for slow that I've seen before include "Intellectually dull" , "Dull-witted - late" , "Owls (anag.)" , "Taking a long time" , "Not quick to understand" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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