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A Picaroon Prize always fills me with a mixture of fear and joyous anticipation. This one lived up to expectations and challenged and entertained in equal measure. Impossible/invidious to plump 😉for a COD.

Thanks to Picaroon, good Prize. He's doing double duty tonight, also in the FT as Buccaneer. These after Thursday's Indy as Rodriguez.

I thought it was a bit easier than usual, except for 6 and 9. Had to google to get 6 (I once knew it well, but had forgotten), and then 9 (LOI and quite tricky) fell into place. FOI was 10. Perhaps more "low-hanging fruit" than typical for Picaroon, but the less challenging entries were elegantly clued.

COD definitely 18, but I ranked 7 other clues as excellent, which indicates an enjoyable puzzle.

A run-off between 18 and the thematically linked (not that there’s a theme - or is there?) 20 for me, geeker.

this went more easily than it looked like at first sight, though i'm not sure if i have 9a right - i can't account for the 2nd and 3rd letters (though the 3rd is confirmed).
favourite 23.

Hi Chris
9a def. is "inspired"
article 2 letters around that awful 4 -letter word for how the Guardian is perceived ?.

This must be easier than usual as I've sailed through it, just stuck on 6d/9a. I have that parsing for 9 but just can't see it! Might have to put it aside for a bit. Enjoyed not having it feel like a real slog for a change, lots of clues that made me smile. Mind you, not sure what to do with my tea breaks for the rest of the weekend.

thanks jazzy. i did have it wrong.

6d is a sweet (word for a kitty with last letter moved up one

Ahhhh.... partner got the Guardian reference at first time of asking!

Thanks Jazzgirl, 6d answer was obvious now but couldn't see the parsing. All done :-)