Father, as I recall, downsizes (4)

I believe the answer is:

sire

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'father' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'as i recall downsizes' is the wordplay.
'SIRE' is hidden within the letters.
But, I am not sure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sire that I've seen before include "Stallion; beget" , "Male parent of a horse, for example" , "Foal's father" , "Ancestor" , "Rise for male parent (4)." .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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