Race Comment Explainer

Original comment with matches highlighted:

took keen hold early, soon handy, pushed along before 3 out, 2 out

Matched phrases & meanings

Phrase	Meaning
Pushed along	The jockey started to urge the horse (hand-riding, not necessarily using the whip).
No extra	Did not improve or accelerate when asked.
Handy	Running very near the leaders (usually 2nd, 3rd, or 4th).
Keen	The horse was fighting the jockey, wasting energy early.

Summary

The jockey started to urge the horse (hand-riding, not necessarily using the whip).
Did not improve or accelerate when asked.
Running very near the leaders (usually 2nd, 3rd, or 4th).
The horse was fighting the jockey, wasting energy early.