CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1 Have an expectation of success in search for precious metals(8) 5 Shies away from some undercover agents in the US (6) 9 It's agreed when things are arranged in separate classes, etc (8) 10 Disappear with an engineer who will levy high charges (6) 12 Enthusiastic characters painting over the study (6) 13 One goes downhill fast in some riskier situations (5) 16 One runner had to deliver or face mockery (6) 17 Two hands get together in a state of total confusion (8) 20 Has hard new centre built to establish a strong position (8) 21 A spring can be full of rich pickings (6) 23 Put heavyweight in charge of a pick-meup (5) 25 Light infantry, in short, can turn out to be responsible (6) 28 Staggered that some fences at Aintree led to major changes (6) 29 To go round on small wheels seek some advice from experts (8) 30 Used a magic spell to open inside the house same day (6) 31 Check out snare designed for old stagers (8)

Down

1 Work steadily on a dramatic event (4) 2 It's needed to cook the Sunday joint, right away (4) 3 Ride into trap to capture first gamebird (9) 4 About to lift up with a crowbar, say, when able (6) 6 Points are widely separated, like some Europeans (5) 7 Starting away from home when one brings things into view (7,3) 8 She parades about, but leads the attack (10) 11 Appear to knock one out, at last. It will prevent growth (5) 14 At short notice, takes a risk in order to have exciting experiences (10) 15 They may claim to hold sway, but it's all show (10) 18 A man can turn blue in this vehicle (9) 19 One may climb onto a table, on balance (5) 22 Is first sip enough to taste? (6) 24 About to get a lot of paper for the elite to rise to the top (5) 26 Volunteers have to go back dressed in ancient garment (4) 27 Lives twice, just like an Egyptian goddess (4)