Uma Musume – Cinderella Gray [Season 1 Episode 3]

Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray – Episode 3 Review: Racing Hearts and Hilarious Missteps

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A Race to Remember

The third episode of Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray is a whirlwind of emotions, blending intense competition with laugh-out-loud moments. Fans of the series have been eagerly waiting to see how Oguri Cap’s journey unfolds, and this episode doesn’t disappoint. From her heartbreaking loss to Fujimasa March to her triumphant (and hilariously awkward) victory dance, this installment is packed with character growth, stunning animation, and a dash of absurdity that only Uma Musume can pull off.

The Plot Thickens

For those just tuning in, Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray is a spin-off of the wildly popular Uma Musume franchise by Cygames. The story follows trainer Jo Kitahara as he scouts the enigmatic Oguri Cap, a horse girl with a blank expression but a heart full of determination. Episode 3, titled “The First Step Forward,” dives deeper into Oguri’s rivalry with Fujimasa March, a fierce competitor who’s as relentless as she is talented.

The episode opens with Oguri Cap’s first official race against March, and the tension is palpable. Fans on MyAnimeList pointed out how the race was a nail-biter, with Oguri losing by a hair’s breadth—only to later discover her shoes were the culprit. One user hilariously noted, “She needed more training in dancing than running,” referencing Oguri’s post-victory performance, which had the entire audience (and viewers at home) in stitches.

The Comedy Gold

Speaking of that dance, let’s talk about the winning live—a staple of the Uma Musume series where victorious horse girls perform for the crowd. Oguri’s attempt is… unique, to say the least. The sheer confusion and secondhand embarrassment from the crowd (and fellow racers) made it an instant meme. Reddit threads are already flooded with GIFs of her robotic moves, and honestly? We’re here for it.

Another standout moment is Oguri’s insatiable appetite. She’s seen terrorizing the cafeteria staff (again), leaving one poor chef staring at an empty fridge in despair. Fans couldn’t help but laugh, with one commenting, “The GOAT is here… and she’s hungry!”

Character Dynamics Shine

Beyond the laughs, Episode 3 does a fantastic job of fleshing out the relationships between the characters. Belno, Oguri’s supportive teammate, steps up to help her get proper running shoes—proving that teamwork makes the dream work. Meanwhile, Fujimasa March’s obsession with defeating Oguri adds a layer of intensity to their rivalry. As one fan put it, “March isn’t just racing for fun; she’s racing to prove something, and that’s what makes her so compelling.”

And let’s not forget Norn Ace, whose tsundere antics after losing to Oguri had fans rolling. “Norn was beaten so badly that she became a tsundere,” joked one viewer.

Animation and Soundtrack

As expected from the Uma Musume franchise, the animation is top-notch. The race scenes are fluid, with dynamic camera angles that make every stride feel impactful. The soundtrack, too, elevates the tension—especially during the final moments of Oguri’s second race, where she finally secures a win.

Final Thoughts

Episode 3 of Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray is a perfect blend of heart, humor, and high-stakes racing. It sets the stage for an exciting rivalry between Oguri Cap and Fujimasa March while keeping the tone light with its signature absurdity. Fans are already buzzing about Tamamo Cross’s cameo and what it means for future episodes.

If you’re not watching this series yet, now’s the time to jump in. As one fan perfectly summed it up: “Oguri Cap is such a mood. Also, that dance scene was way too funny.”

Rating: 8.5/10 – A must-watch for fans of sports anime with a quirky twist.

What did you think of Episode 3? Let us know in the comments!

(Sources: MyAnimeList, Reddit, and fan discussions.)