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Rare to see Carpathian in this slot. A very enjoyable prize, not too difficult I think, but satisfying nonetheless.
FOI 5, LOI, I’m ashamed to say, 13.
COD? I always find this tricky, but I’m going for 9.

Oh but on second thoughts, that anagram! (Not saying any more for fear of spoilers)

Thanks to Carpathian for this week's challenge. I only recall her (https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/crossword-blog/2021/jun/07/crossword-blog-meet-the-setter-carpathian-victoria-godfrey) setting one previous Prize: 29,350 from earlier this year, although she's often composed Quiptics and early week Guardian puzzles.

This one is definitely on the gentle side, like 29,350. Despite being tired, I solved it in about half my median Prize solving time. The longer anagrams are clever, and there are some elegant clues and surfaces, but more "low-hanging fruit" than is typical of a Prize. I've noticed some relatively undemanding Prizes lately, with the beasts (e.g. Vlad 29,533) placed midweek: perhaps an editorial policy? The anagrams do render this puzzle Prize-worthy IMO, though far from the upper tier.

FOI 8, LOI 21.

COD 9 over 7. Also enjoyed 16, 20, 2, 4 and 13.
Don't see a theme (although I often miss them) or Nina.

FWIW, I got off to a slow start but found many toeholds (so to speak) in the bottom half of the grid.

Nothing wrong with what was a well-constructed and logically clued puzzle, but this was probably too easy for the Prize slot. The Vlad from the previous Wednesday would have been a more appropriate choice.

Yes, mogwai, I agree. Not only because of the Prize element (which doesn’t bother me, because I never enter and my dear brother gave me the book as a Christmas present anyway), but more because I would rather be faced with a proper challenge on a Saturday, when I have a bit more time, than on, say, a Wednesday, when, say, Vlad has to compete with all sorts of other demands and I can’t give him my undivided attention.
Of course others may be equally free or freer midweek than on a Saturday. But the continued existence of the Saturday Prize is surely a recognition that most people have more time on a Saturday than during the week, and so would relish a proper challenge.

Carpathian gives us some excellent Monday puzzles. Unfortunately, one has appeared on a Saturday.

Dines out for a graceless comment (5)

I agree … nice and gentle. I was knocked for six by Vlad earlier in the week. Confidence restored.

Morning all. I'm quite suprised, thinking everyone's foi would be 1a. V enjoyable so far.