I doubt it was the crack that made him choose not to run. He wanted to after he was jostled. He just did not want to when the jockey asked. It may be the heat or he got tired of being held when he wanted to run. Horse sometimes decide not to put forth the effort. Especially smart ones that are easily handled. His notorious calmness is not always an asset. Smart horses sometimes decide I’ve had enough.
“Smart horses sometimes decide I’ve had enough.”
Very true.