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jono
You could watch Sky at 2:00 this afternoon for 9a!

jono
I parsed 9 relatively early on from the wordplay. I can’t in all honesty say whether the definition part rang a distant bell (!) or whether I just had a hunch - either way I had to confirm it with Google. Does that count as solving without aids? Not sure!

Wow! I couldn't handle Vlad every week but I love a real challenge from time to time. I'm an hour in and only four solutions so far. I'm hoping I have the answer correct but can anyone explain the bats part of 3d without spoilers?

Rocky
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Thanks Chris I've realised now where the other two letters come from. Very clever.

Strangely, 11 was one of the first solutions I got (maybe 3d OI)...weirdly, because I happened to recall the phrase, of which I only know the inoffensive (setter intended) definition. Also 9, because that GK area occasionally comes up in cryptics, even (rarely) as a theme.

Geeker, you’ve just reminded me that the precise meaning of “track” here was indeed the theme in the Spectator just last week. The puzzle was even titled “On Track” and was set by Maskarade.

First time in ages having to take a pause for the cause. About half done. I have a viable answer to 13d but can't make it parse. SW completely blank. I have an answer that parses to 9a but doesn't seem to fit any meaning which might just be my lack of knowledge. If my 13d is right then lord only knows what the second word of 18a is.

Think I shall sit in a darkened room for a while and return clear headed.

A really tough one 7 clues to go, most in the south west corner. Really liked 18a and 19d still can’t parse 9a any hints for 25a first and last letters U & T

The first word is another word for stick.