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Have done quite well this week. Just 3 little clues I am struggling with as a last resort!
1a Cloud of reconstituted materials (5-4) . .?r?s. ?a?l
1d Damage caused by graduate, revolutionary leader (3)
8a was taken aback and cme home ahead of the field
.?d? The winner

1 D. Mar - damage (MA,graduate+R/1st letter in revolutionary)

Ma r

mares tail

Thank you for those. Any ideas about "was taken aback". Rade? Rede? Rode? Ride? Rude.
Cannot make a mares tail of any of them!
Helppppppp!

Think it might be rode the winner!!!