Surgery For Silver Lake After Shock City Failure

TRAINER Graham James isn't offering excuses for Silver Lake's shock defeat at The Meadows on Saturday night after racing erratically.

But the Woodleigh conditioner did say x-rays on Monday shed more light on the Ballarat track record holder's poor performance which incurred a failing to pursue the lure charge by Stewards.

"I'm in no way making excuses for his performance or actions but x-rays have found he has two floating chips in the back of his hock," James said.

"He'll go in for surgery on Wednesday to have them removed and be off for a good three months. It's a matter of starting all over again with him but what we saw on Saturday night wasn't him.

"I've had enough dogs over the years to know the ones that are capable of doing things wrong and ones that aren't. And that's just not him – has never shown an inclination of anything like that."

Silver Lake started a raging hot $1.70 favourite for race six on Saturday night at The Meadows from box seven.

The son of Fernando Bale took his place in the event following a disappointing sixth placed finish to Oriental Amber in a heat of the Group 2 Ballarat Cup a week earlier.

But while the defeat at Ballarat in top grade company was worth forgiving, Silver Lake's effort at The Meadows was vastly different, racing another greyhound off the track in the turn for home.

"There's been a lot said about the Stewards' decision but I believe they reacted fairly in the circumstances," James added.

"The on-course vet found an injury in his hamstring and obviously the x-rays have shown up something more significant also.

"He must trial satisfactorily before his return as well."

Winner at five of his 10 starts, Silver Lake has shown remarkable ability to begin his career, posting stunning times around the traps.

"His three trials at The Meadows are as good as I've had a dog go," James added.

"Thankfully there's no issues structurally so we've dodged a bullet with that.

"As I said I'm not making excuses but with everything that's being said I thought it was important to explain what the x-rays showed up today."