Possible Clues:

• Does not sound clear for a ride
• Sounds as if one's steed sounds rough
• How Vito Corleone sounded
• Nag, say, after nagging too much might be?
• 'Husky, gruff (6)'
• Rough-sounding area in bay
• Sounds like animal in need of throat spray?
• Not clear of the sound of what 1 across is for
• Arab, perhaps, kennelling a husky
• Barely able to speak