Umamusume: Cinderella Gray [Season 1 Episodes 1-4]

Alright, let’s dive into Umamusume: Cinderella Gray Season 1, Episodes 1-4. First off, if you’re a fan of the Uma Musume Pretty Derby franchise, this spin-off is a must-watch. Produced by CygamesPictures and directed by Yuuki Itou and Takehiro Miura, it premiered in April 2025, and so far, it’s been a wild ride. The series follows Oguri Cap, a determined horse girl with big dreams, and her journey in the competitive racing world.

From the get-go, the animation is vibrant and dynamic. The racing sequences are intense—think first-person POV shots, heavy breathing, and that nail-biting silence before the final sprint. Fans on MyAnimeList have been raving about how the 3D animation for the winning lives (those post-race idol performances) is seamless, unlike some other anime where 3D feels jarring. One user even said, “I usually skip the idol/dancing parts, but this was animated beautifully.”

The first four episodes focus on Oguri’s rivalry with Fujimasa March, a cocky but talented racer who’s never known defeat. Their showdown in the Junior Crown race is the highlight of these episodes. The build-up is real—Oguri starts off as the underdog, but her growth is palpable. When she pulls off that unexpected second burst of speed to overtake March, viewers were on the edge of their seats. A fan commented, “The heavy breathing, the first-person POV, the complete silence… and ofc that second spurt was insane.”

Character development is another strong point. Oguri’s journey from a nervous rookie to a confident competitor is heartwarming. Even supporting characters like Belno, who struggles in her first race but remains endearing, get their moments to shine. Belno’s “blob moe face” after testing her jump height without weights had fans laughing, proving the series balances drama with lighthearted humor.

Themes of perseverance and friendship are front and center. Oguri’s bond with her trainer, Jou Kitahara, and her growing rivalry-turned-friendship with March add depth to the story. One user noted, “Great episode this time around… the power of goals and rivalry collide, in the end Oguri stands on top.” The winning lives also tie into these themes—Oguri’s performances become more energetic as she gains confidence, showing that success isn’t just about racing but also about self-expression.

Of course, no anime is without its quirks. Some fans missed the “Chef Food Terrorism” subplot from the main series, but others appreciated the focus on the core cast. The timeline might be a bit confusing for new viewers (with references to 1987 and different horse girl generations), but it’s part of the franchise’s charm.

Overall, Cinderella Gray is exceeding expectations. It’s not just about racing; it’s about chasing dreams, overcoming obstacles, and finding your place in the world. The animation, character arcs, and emotional beats make it a standout in the spring 2025 lineup. As one fan put it, “This is the only anime this season I refresh the page to watch asap.” If you haven’t started it yet, what are you waiting for? Oguri Cap’s journey is just getting started, and it’s one you won’t want to miss.

P.S. The opening and ending themes are bops—definitely add them to your playlist! 🐎✨