Race Comment Explainer

Original comment with matches highlighted:

held up towards rear, before 3 out, ridden before 2 out, soon beaten

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.
Towards rear	Running near the back of the field.
Held up	Intentionally raced patiently at the back to save energy.
Headway	The horse was moving up through the field.

Summary

The jockey started urging the horse aggressively before the second-last obstacle to try and get it back into contention.
Running near the back of the field.
Intentionally raced patiently at the back to save energy.
The horse was moving up through the field.