Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray Part 2 – A Riveting Return to the Track

October 5, 2025, marked the long-awaited return of Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray Part 2, and fans of the beloved horse girl sports drama wasted no time diving into the new season. Picking up where the first cour left off, this installment follows Oguri Cap’s relentless quest to become Japan’s top horse girl, with her sights set firmly on the prestigious Japan Cup. While the season promises high-stakes races and character growth, the premiere episode takes a deliberate detour to revisit old friends and set the stage for what’s to come.

The first half of Episode 1 shifts focus to Fujimasa March, a fan-favorite from the first season who has been grappling with the aftermath of her loss to Oguri Cap. Fans were thrilled to see March back in action, with many noting her impressive character development. “March’s arc is so peak,” one viewer exclaimed, referencing her newfound determination to overcome her fears. The episode centers on her showdown with Yamano Southern, the Tokai Derby winner, in the Gifu Okan Sho—a race that showcases March’s resilience and growth. Her victory here is not just a win for her character but a testament to the series’ ability to craft compelling underdog stories.

Of course, Oguri Cap remains the heart of the series, and her return is met with equal parts excitement and humor. Known for her “derpy faces” and carefree attitude, Oguri steals the show in the second half of the episode. When Dicta Striker threatens to hand her a second loss, Oguri’s nonchalant response—“I don’t care”—had fans laughing out loud. “Our favorite fatty returns,” another viewer joked, affectionately using the nickname that has stuck with Oguri since her rural beginnings. Her interactions with Tamamo Cross, her rival and eventual Japan Cup opponent, are teased throughout the episode, building anticipation for their upcoming clash.

The animation, while criticized by some for its increased use of CGI in races, still manages to capture the intensity and emotion of the sport. The opening theme, performed by 10-FEET, has divided fans—some calling it “leaps better” than the first season’s OP, while others found it underwhelming. However, the ending sequence, featuring a young Oguri and Tamamo, was universally praised for its cuteness. “The new ending with smol Oguri and Tamamo is very cute,” one fan gushed, highlighting the series’ ability to balance drama with lighthearted moments.

Supporting characters also get their time to shine. Belno Light, Oguri’s loyal friend, returns with her signature charm, and the introduction of new rivals like Super Creek adds fresh tension. “That one shot of Super Creek calmly walking down the aisle… menacing,” a viewer noted, hinting at the challenges Oguri will face in the Japan Cup. The episode’s pacing, while slow for some, is intentional—setting up the Japan Cup arc, which fans speculate will span 10 episodes. “Japan Cup arc isn’t that long, so 10 eps are reasonable,” another commenter reasoned, though some expressed disappointment that the Arima Kinen won’t be featured this season.

What makes Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray Part 2 stand out is its ability to blend sports action with heartfelt character moments. Oguri’s journey from a small-town horse girl to a national sensation resonates with viewers, as does the theme of friendship and rivalry. “This anime is the anime of the year for me if this cour is as good as the first,” a dedicated fan declared, reflecting the high expectations set by the first season.

As the season progresses, fans can look forward to more races, more character growth, and the inevitable showdown between Oguri and Tamamo. Whether you’re here for the intense sports drama or the endearing horse girl antics, Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray Part 2 delivers on both fronts. With its mix of humor, heart, and high-stakes racing, this season is shaping up to be a worthy continuation of Oguri Cap’s inspiring story.

So, grab your popcorn, root for your favorite horse girl, and get ready to run—Uma Musume is back, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.

Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray Part 2 airs weekly, with new episodes available on streaming platforms like Aniwatch and AnimeKAI. Don’t miss out on the race to the Japan Cup!