Umamusume: Pretty Derby Season 3

Absolute Cinema! Nothing could've prepared me for the feels! I'm so happy that this horse, who was seen losing and not in the spotlight, has her name chanted throughout the race and being called the tournament's favourite. Not only did she won her final most important race, she also won 7 G1 races tying with other legends. The first half of the episode was slow but necessary, the second half was a phenomenal race, the Winning Live can't get any better and the ending just made me more emotional. 8.3/10

So the time has finally come, the last race huh? Man this episode got me feeling down man, I was expecting a comeback like Teio but sadly things don't work that way. On the other hand, I'm happy that Cheval finally won her first G1 race, I'm sad that she beat Kitasan tho in one of her last races. Overall a really emotionally impactful episode. 7.8/10

After reaching her peak, she realized that she had no choice but to give up her dreams of going to France and continue her races in Japan. This hits hard, reality hits hard. After finding out that she wanted to have a festive with people all over the world, she'd ended up giving up on that dream. Thankfully, her next dream isn't so far off her original, which is to make the people of Japan festive with her remaining faces that she still has. I can't imagine how it must feel like to let everyone down and give up on one's dream, but I highly respect her for making a brave decision to let everyone know and have the determination to find and strive for the new goal. The race was just as hype as it usually is, even more since she was close to losing, with all odds stacked against her, she still won and that makes her one of my favorite Uma. Alas, after the race, looks like she's gonna have to face reality again. 8/10

Oof, I’m starting to see a pattern here with all the seasons in the second half. The first half of the episode was nice and peaceful, a way to settle down after a lot of excitement. It’s also a way for them to lower the expectations thinking nothing much of the second half, I really wanted to see her win the race! Alas, since it’s based on real life events, we can do so much but trust the animators and storytellers. Again, Cheval is just getting a beating at this point. 7.7/10

A whiplash of emotions. The first half was heavily Yuri coded, they took that opportunity to lower our guard for the epic race, and it was amazing. How they set it up and the pacing really made me hyped up after the win. Poor Cheval tho :( All in all a good episode, happy that Kitasan has improved by a lot compared to the first episode along side Diamond, expecting great things from this rivalry. 7.9/10

This was a good episode, although there were no races, they were able to make this one a really emotional one that the viewers can relate to. The topic of finding a goal or given up on it to find another one is a pretty touchy subject since it involves real life consequences, they were able to downplay of this topic to the point where it’s not very serious but important enough that we should be thinking about it. Kitasan goal was never to become the fastest or be a prodigy but to become someone who’s able to make everyone smile with her runs, although not the most admirable goal it’s still a goal nonetheless that carries her from start to finish, and I really admire that. The morale of the story is, find your own goal and strive for it, doesn’t matter if it sounds stupid or non-genuine, at least if it brings you to Point A to Z then never give up on it. 8/10

We were first introduced to the episode with Kitasan winning Japan Cup, a really prestigious race that they just showed nonchalantly, a pet peeve of mine but doesn’t really affect the entire experience overall. We’re then introduced to a sad Cheval and her accomplished sisters, with the direction they’re going I thought they were gonna make her the winning girl this episode, but I guess they have plans to do it in another episode. Got a few training montages, a bit of backstory regarding the rivalry, and finally the race, wish Kitasan could’ve won that, but hey I don’t make the rules. (Sorry Diamond fans) It saddened me seeing her get all mopey after realizing she’s not as fast as Diamond after so many years, hopefully the redemption arc will be worth the watch. 7.7/10

A very thought provoking episode if you ask me. The first half was fine, compared to other umas she went and just did unlucky things which is kind of fun? Until you get to realise how important the situation she really is which makes it not so fun. I like how they make it so that the curse is all but a coincidence, an excuse as to why people fail, winning the race doesn’t necessarily mean she broke a curse since there was never one in the first place, but for other umas it’s a first step to other victories. Very good life lesson, never give up and never give in to excuses. 7.7/10

Good episode, nothing spectacular, but good. Wish Kitasan could've won; ended up being another horse, which is pretty odd. For the entire time Kitasan trained, Duramente still ended up winning even tho she was injured the entire training time, then again a race's outcome, anything can happen. 7/10

A training arc!? Well it’s just one episode, but still pretty hyped up! Wish they could’ve prolonged it into 2-3 episodes since we’ll get the satisfaction of winning the race, but instead we get a few glimpses of the race, in the credits, which is pretty disappointing. 7.6/10

Can’t say I’m happy with this episode, my favorite horse didn’t win, and her teammate didn’t even make it to the top 5 as well. The sudden retirement news was too sudden and abrupt that it took me by surprise, but I’m not particularly emotional about it so it’s whatever. 7.5/10

I’ve never felt more relatable to a character, other than Kitasan Black. Her struggles both mentally and physically, and how she was able to overcome those obstacles was a truly eye opening scene. Really happy she gets the win she deserves and I hope her story can motivate others who are going through the same problems. 8.3/10

HARIKITTE IKOU! This is the first uma anime that starts off with a bad ending, it’s a fresh take, but not a good one tbh. Was expecting the usual joyful feels in the end, instead we got a plot twist. Idk what the rest of the season has in store, I just hope it doesn’t always leave a bad after taste after every episode. 7.5/10

It feels moving and beautiful to watch the last race of one of the most iconic and recurrent characters in the whole series. Now, Kitasan Black must continue her career, honoring the legacy of her retired friend. Splendid animation and art style.