Sort of solar article is no place-getter! (4-3)
I believe the answer is:
also-ran
'place-getter' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.
'sort of solar article is no' is the wordplay.
'sort of' indicates anagramming the letters.
'article' becomes 'a' (the indefinite article in English).
'is no' becomes 'n' (common abbreviation).
'solar' anagrammed gives 'alsor'.
'alsor'+'a'+'n'='ALSO-RAN'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for also-ran that I've seen before include "Losing runner" , "Not placed among the leaders" , "Unplaced racehorse" , "Unplaced horse" , "Of racing horse, not placed in first three" .)