What criteria must be met when making a same ownership entry?

When making a same ownership entry, it is crucial to select the horse with the best preference date. This criterion ensures that the horse with the most advantageous standings or eligibility based on its racing history is chosen. Preference dates reflect the performance and the race conditions associated with the horses in terms of eligibility for specific races. By selecting the horse with the best preference date, the trainer aims to maximize the chances of success in the race, aligning with established protocols in horse racing to maintain fairness and competitiveness.

The other options do not accurately reflect the criteria required for same ownership entries. For example, simply selecting the horse with the best performance does not account for eligibility based on preference dates, which is a key factor in the decision-making process. Additionally, the notion that only winning horses can be entered is overly restrictive, as horses that have not won can still be eligible based on other factors. Finally, the idea that no selection is necessary contradicts the fundamental requirement of making a choice based on performance metrics and eligibility standards.