CRYPTIC CROSSWORD NO 1,150
For today’s solutions, text CLUE followed by the clue (eg: ‘CLUE 1 Down’) to 53307 Across 1 Grants natural talents (10). 6 Special taxi for blackleg (4). 9 Advanced valuable holding company (10). 10 Golden — roughly — ocean predator (4). 12 Reel, perhaps, losing new fish (4). 13 Change direction after a spell of fighting, sour (5,4). 15 You’ll find few frolicking, deplorably (8). 16 Saying nothing, points into mud (6). 18 Invest on beer brewing (6). 20 One scrutinising former pupils always maintaining rule (8). 23 Most alluring attempts in bawdy lust (9). 24 Scoff British rock cake at last (4). 26 Piece of Walton’s for vocalist (4). 27 Casual move to halt cannon (10). 28 Northern myth of summer’s incomplete return? (4). 29 Made sense of, as implied (10). Down 1 Trade show by former river (4). 2 Old man interrupts musical performance, emphasising initial
time for payment (3,4). 3 Bluer showmen go crazy — they don’t do things by halves! (5,7). 4 On a grand scale make online image with friend (8). 5 German not finally EU heavyweight (6). 7 Celebrate with reason about right-on leaders (7). 8 Sudden inspiration gets support in rough weather (10). 11 Assigned last to break picture window? (7,5). 14 Cleaner’s cut from lottery (10). 17 Fashioned sable coat without a hindrance (8). 19 King highly pleased with kindred (7). 21 Bravo! It is composed musical effect (7). 22 Lament extinct bird hid in mountain (6). 25 Endlessly scrutinise boss (4).