Umamusume: Cinderella Gray

I never thought I would grow to like watching horse girls race so much that I now follow real horse racing IRL and got into the game. Fun show. Sensationalized in some parts from the original story but a fun addition nonetheless. My only gripe is that ending pacing felt a bit off for me which docked some points.

Not just some Derby but the Grittiest Sports Story! What makes Cinderella Gray work so well is how seriously it treats its stakes. The mainline anime can sometimes feel like a friendly club competition where everyone hugs it out. Here, the regional racing circuit is gritty, desperate, and exhausting. You genuinely feel the isolation, the financial anxiety of a local trainer trying to make ends meet, and the suffocating wall that separates local nobodies from the elites in the central Twinkle Series. The rivalry pacing is ruthless. Characters like Fujimasa March don't just want to beat Oguri; they look at her with an intense, fiery resentment that injects real venom into the races. It handles fatigue and the physical toll of running at insane speeds with a grim realism that most sports anime shy away from.

Cygames has really outdone themself with Cinderella Gray. The anime's quality is superb, and it stays perfectly true to the history of its real-life counterparts. I can't wait for the season 2 release! Still listening to ∞ till today, can't get enough of the song 0w0

Oguri cool asl, better running anims than bluelock

PEAK PEAK PEAK PEAK

Well, that final showdown was everything. I had my heart set on one result, but Tamamo’s intensity is on another level! 😭Such a bittersweet way to wrap the season, but we know the journey doesn’t end here. Also, who was that being teased in the end-credits? Need to watch S2 now.

I’m still shaking from that episode. The tension for Oguri vs. Tamamo was insane! Tamamo switching up her strategy is a total gamble, but it shows her confidence as a beast on the track. I can't believe they left us on that cliffhanger—I need the finale immediately!

Damn, that Mainichi Okan race was like everyone vs. Oguri. Seeing her push through all that pressure? Crazy! Loved the new outfit btw—now we officially enter the G1 world. I’m so hyped! But we really need to talk about Tamamo; what an intense aura. Definitely need to watch.

I must say, props to Belno for sticking with Oguri since day one. I'm happy they finally got some free time to rest and relax. Though the pacing slowed down a bit, but it still worked. We got a tiny Tamamo glimpse too…yeah, they’re cooking something big. Still not to skip!

Wait… what? Did I just get pranked? 😭 I really thought that was it—what a bummer. Still, the pacing built that moment well and the emotions hit, especially with Rudolf. I’m sure Oguri will get her shot at the big leagues soon. And that Tamamo teaser? Yeah, I’m locked in.

The heck! Three races in one ep? I’m not complaining though—as long as we got that bag. 😂 The pacing was fast but still controlled, and the race animation stayed sharp. Tension kept building too, especially with that reporter stirring things up. Still not a miss ep I'd say.

New environment, new faces, new grind—I’m already hyped. The facilities look stacked too, that gym got me jealous. 😂 As usual, Oguri’s still goofy as ever, lowkey giving me Luffy vibes. Pacing felt smooth for a setup ep, and I’m excited to see how she handles this next level.

Man, what an emotional way to wrap up the Kasamatsu Arc. I was teary-eyed at the last part of that race bth! 😭 But one thing I took away from this ep is to 'DREAM BIG.' The atmosphere at the end was so wholesome and I can't wait to see what’s next. Nationals, here we go!

That Chukyo Hai race looked easy on the surface, now I get why Musaka warned Kitahara not to race there. The decisions hits way harder than expected tbh. Pacing still felt solid, and the animation stayed clean. And I’m dying to see where this choice leads next. Don't miss.

Oguri Cap vs Fujimasa, round 2—and yeah, it’s clear who takes it. The pacing felt tighter here and the race animation hit hard. That winning concert still throws me off bth😂 thanks to Norn I guess. Fujimasa’s POV added depth too. And someone’s eyeing Oguri…? I’m curious now.

Dang, that’s some real aura farming—turning rivals into allies . But yow, what's up with the winning concert? caught me off guard 😂 Also, I really feel bad for the school canteen, crazy! Not much racing, but Oguri and Fujimasa’s talk hit—so what’s really the goal here?

I swear Oguri Cap is literally me before a fun run—CARB LOADING like crazy 😂 But yeah, that debut race had me locked in. I was on edge the whole time. You can already feel Fujimasa’s competitive stare. The rivalry’s starting to cook. So… who actually won?! See you next ep.

Yeah, I’m seriously hooked already. I went in blind, but that ashen-haired, big-eating gremlin instantly sold me—same energy as Kitahara being shook. The vibe, pacing, and intro hits hard. What a strong start. I need the next episode ASAP.

That was a super hype race that sets up their rivalry and relationship for part 2 going forward. Nice to see Cap finally take a loss. Felt like it had to come eventually. I did find myself chuckling at 'The Zone'. What an awesome anime. wow.

Very cute beginning of the episode, they really make it so their moms look basically exactly like their children. But that cliffhanger was criminal!! cmon!!! Lord Royal was unexpectedly cool here, very nice to see honestly. The episode was so good it went by so fast gosh.