Race Comment Explainer

Original comment with matches highlighted:

handy, ridden before 3 out, no impression on clear leader from before 2 out,

Matched phrases & meanings

Phrase	Meaning
ridden before	The jockey started urging the horse aggressively before the second-last obstacle to try and get it back into contention.
Plugged on	Kept going without showing much pace.
Handy	Running very near the leaders (usually 2nd, 3rd, or 4th).

Summary

The jockey started urging the horse aggressively before the second-last obstacle to try and get it back into contention.
Kept going without showing much pace.
Running very near the leaders (usually 2nd, 3rd, or 4th).