The ache so placed is naturally spotted (7)

I believe the answer is:

cheetah

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'placed is naturally spotted' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'the ache' is the wordplay.
'the ache' can be anagrammed to 'CHEETAH'.
But, I'm not sure how the anagram is indicated.

'so' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cheetah that I've seen before include "Swift, spotted feline" , "fast runner" , "Long-legged spotted big cat" , "Large spotted wild cat, very fast" , "Fast cat - the ache (anag)" .)

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

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