THE Classic season begins in less than a month and the thought on the minds of almost every racing fan is whether the brilliant unbeaten filly and 2013 Horse of the Year, Princess Popstar will be well enough to face the starter.

The concern comes following the recent disclosure from trainer Philip Feanny that the three-year-old-filly had suffered an injury at exercise thereby forcing the 14 time champion trainer to withdraw her from last week’s Thornbird Stakes and to curtail her regular training.

It wouldn’t be a Classic season without Princess Popstar,” said Dr Francis Barnett, noted breeder and race horse owner. “She has captured the imagination of racing fans across the island…more than any other horse I can recall…and it would be somewhat of a tragedy if she is sidelined for any length of time.”

Dr Barnett, who tasted Classic success with Good Prospect in the 1999 Jamaica Derby and Ray of Hope in the 1000 Guineas in 2000, added that it would also be a plus for the promoters, Caymanas Track Limited (CTL) to have Princess Popstar as part of the Classic season, saying “She is probably the only horse in training that can draw non-racing fans to the track. Such is the nature of her star power.”

And there lies the concern. Trainer Feanny is already on record saying that his fear is that the injury is more than minor and that a less than fully recovered Princess Popstar will not be facing the starter for the April 5, 1000 Guineas.

“Princess Popstar, Usain Bolt and Chris Gayle are the three main sport stars in the country,” said former owner David Phillips, whose horse Good Company campaigned successfully at the top level and finished third in the 2007 Superstakes. “In every sport there is always a major star to carry the banner…someone who has that star power to fill the stands and to create a level of anticipation whenever he or she sets foot on a field, a track or wherever. That is what Princess Popstar is to local racing.”

And Barnett and Phillips are not alone in their assessment. The general feeling amongst racing fans is that the filly, once sound, would plunder and dominate any opposition, which, based on who have faced the starter so far, can best be described as middle of the road.

“It’s not that we don’t know that she is would win, it’s just seeing her presence…watching her dominate,” explained Michael Elliot, long-time racing fan and analyst. “That is what will be taking people to Caymanas Park. People are attracted to stars and Princess Popstar is indeed a rock star.”

Elliot added that if he were the promoters his daily ritual would be to pray for the health of both Princess Popstar and Feanny. “A healthy Princess Popstar will make this a Classic season like no other. People will come from far and wide just to see her. Nobody knows her better and can assist with her recovery than Feanny. He is a master of his craft and the promoters, if they are not doing so already, would be best served to pray for both their well beings — horse and trainer.”