Race Comment Explainer

Original comment with matches highlighted:

held up in touch, closed 5th, led before 2 out, clear flat, stayed on well,

Matched phrases & meanings

Phrase	Meaning
Stayed on	Continued to finish but without closing the gap significantly.
Held up	Intentionally raced patiently at the back to save energy.
readily	The horse won easily, without having to be pushed to its absolute limit, suggesting it had more to give.

Summary

Continued to finish but without closing the gap significantly.
Intentionally raced patiently at the back to save energy.
The horse won easily, without having to be pushed to its absolute limit, suggesting it had more to give.