Race Comment Explainer

Original comment with matches highlighted:

soon off the pace towards rear, earer final ,

Matched phrases & meanings

Phrase	Meaning
Towards rear	Running near the back of the field.
Never nearer	The horse's closest point to the leader was the position it finished in (ran on late).
Kept on	The horse maintained its speed well to the finish.
Furlong	Unit of distance; one furlong is 1/8 of a mile (approx. 200 meters).

Summary

Running near the back of the field.
The horse's closest point to the leader was the position it finished in (ran on late).
The horse maintained its speed well to the finish.
Unit of distance; one furlong is 1/8 of a mile (approx. 200 meters).