Which factor is essential when selecting horses for a racing team?

When forming a racing team, one of the most critical factors to consider is the potential speed and racing pedigree of the horses. This is because a horse's innate ability to run quickly, along with its lineage, significantly influences its performance on the racetrack. A strong racing pedigree often indicates that the horse has ancestors known for their racing ability, which can enhance the chances of success in competitive environments.

Furthermore, potential speed signifies how fast a horse can cover the distance of a race, making it a primary factor in assessing a horse's suitability for racing. Trainers and owners pay close attention to these aspects, as they directly impact the horse's likelihood of winning races and thereby influence the financial returns on investment.

Other factors, such as the color of the horse, size, weight, and the experience of the jockey, while they may have relevance, do not carry the same weight in determining the horse's racing potential. These aspects may contribute to practical considerations of racing and overall performance but are secondary to the crucial attributes related to speed and pedigree that truly define a successful racing athlete.