Daily hard — 2026-10-08

Across

1. 1. Useful tool in data analysis for making predictions (12)
2. 4. Current Formula One champion known for his aggressive style. (10)
3. 6. Indian football club based in the city known for Bollywood. (8)
4. 9. Event leading to tighter monetary policy and bank failures (12)
5. 11. Frustrating game of hitting popping targets. (10)
6. 12. This figure's term includes contentious interest rate debates post-2020. (9)
7. 15. Catchy phrases or snippets from a statement, often reused. (10)
8. 16. Person who shapes glass for spectacles (11)
9. 17. Mentor to Anakin Skywalker in a galaxy far, far away (12)
10. 18. Essential control on a computer or gaming device. (11)

Down

1. 2. Location of a winter wonderland in Russian folklore (9)
2. 3. Term for a variable that compensates for uncertainty (11)
3. 5. Encouraging phrase often said to boost confidence (10)
4. 6. Slang used in business circles to indicate financial success. (8)
5. 7. Begin to exert oneself physically (11)
6. 8. Shakespeare's reflection on life’s challenges. (12)
7. 10. Key ingredient in a classic cocktail named for a city on the Hudson (9)
8. 11. Concoctions associated with Halloween and folklore. (12)
9. 13. Modern term for an avatar used in digital profiles (10)
10. 14. Author of the autobiography 'Iacocca: An Autobiography'. (10)