Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray Part 2 [Part 2 Episode 8]

Okay, let’s get real—if you’ve been following Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray Part 2, Episode 8 was the one we’ve all been waiting for. The Arima Kinen is finally here, and wow, did it deliver on tension (and a killer cliffhanger that left everyone screaming for more). Let’s break down why this episode had fans glued to their screens, from Belno’s iconic pout to Dicta Striker’s heart-stopping injury.

First off, the build-up to the race was chef’s kiss. We got those sweet, small moments that make Uma Musume so much more than just a sports anime: Belno doubting herself (but let’s be honest, she’s the MVP—one fan even called her “supporting character of the year”), Oguri Cap’s flashback to her childhood with her mom (adorable, right?), and that wholesome scene between Tamamo Cross and her trainer Komi. For those who know the real-life references, Tamamo’s final race hits extra hard—her bond with Komi felt so genuine, it made my heart warm.

Then, the race starts… and chaos ensues. Dicta Striker, poor girl, can’t catch a break. She slams into the gate, blood pouring down her face, but does she stop? No way. Fans were losing it—one comment said, “Dicta not going injured in every race? Mission impossible.” But seriously, seeing her push through that pain was both inspiring and scary (like, girl, go see a doctor!).

And let’s not forget Tamamo Cross. She’s not here to play—she’s here to win, and fast. Her early acceleration had fans yelling “TAMA-CHAN GOOOOOOO!” in the comments, and you can feel the intensity between her and Oguri. The tension when Oguri stands up to Tamamo? Chef’s kiss. It’s clear these two are ready to go all out.

But wait—here’s the kicker: the episode cuts off right as the real race is about to heat up. Fans were split between laughing and crying: one said, “They had to cut just as the real race begins?” while another begged, “WAKE UP OGURI CAP COME ON!” Let’s be real, waiting another week for the conclusion is torture, but that’s the magic of Uma Musume—it keeps you hooked.

What makes this episode stand out, though, is how it balances the big race moments with the small, human (or horse girl) touches. Belno’s self-doubt turning into confidence, Dicta’s perseverance, Tamamo’s final run—these are the things that make the series feel so alive. As one fan put it, “This isn’t just a horse girl show—it’s about bonds and fighting your hardest.”

Oh, and let’s not overlook the real-life Easter eggs. Fans noticed that the episode stays super close to the 1988 Arima Kinen: Dicta’s injury mirrors Soccer Boy’s real-life accident, and Tamamo’s strategy nods to classic racing moves. It’s these little details that make the series feel so authentic.

At the end of the day, Episode 8 was a rollercoaster. It had us laughing at Belno’s hamster-like energy, gasping at Dicta’s injury, and cheering for Tamamo’s speed. And that cliffhanger? Pure genius. Whether you’re team Oguri, team Tamamo, or just here for the drama, this episode had something for everyone. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to rewatch the race scene 10 more times and count down the days until next week.

P.S. If you haven’t seen the fan art of Belno’s pout yet—go look it up. It’s iconic.
P.P.S. Dicta Striker, we see you, and you’re a legend for pushing through that injury. Stay strong, girl.