Oguri Cap (center) leads a race in Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray, showcasing the intense competition and drama that define the series.
Of all the installments in the Uma Musume franchise, one stands out as a uniquely moving and exhilarating story — that is Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray. Unlike the bright and bubbly tone of the main Uma Musume series, Cinderella Gray revolves around the “Gray Monster,” Oguri Cap, who climbs from local races to the national stage in an intense tale where hot-blooded competition and inner conflict collide. Since the anime adaptation aired, it quickly became a hot topic. Fans on social media have been abuzz with comments like “Every character in this show is so overpowered!” and “Which Uma Musume is the #1 fan favorite?”
In this article, we break down the appeal of Cinderella Gray from its synopsis to a ranking of its most popular characters. Our guide is designed to be easy to understand for newcomers and to offer new insights for those already following the series – focusing on each character’s highlights and the incredible race sequences. You’re sure to find a horse girl to cheer for here, so read on and look forward to meeting the Uma Musume that will win your heart!
What Is Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray? (Story & Overview)
An ashen-gray “monster” defies all odds in a true Cinderella story. Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray is a spin-off manga (now an anime) based on the world of the popular game Uma Musume: Pretty Derby. It follows the trajectory of the legendary racehorse Oguri Cap. The story begins at a rural regional racetrack and then moves to the prestigious Central Training Center Academy (home of the Twinkle Series races), where the elite compete. The original manga, serialized in Weekly Young Jump, has been wildly popular, and its much-anticipated TV anime adaptation began airing in 2025.
The true charm of this work lies in the countless soul-stirring, epic races against rivals – many based on real racing history. In addition to the protagonist Oguri Cap, the series depicts intense showdowns with formidable opponents like her greatest rival Tamamo Cross, as well as strong contenders such as Super Creek and Inari One (who, together with Oguri, were later heralded as an “unbeatable trio”). Despite the adorable character designs, the tone is serious, portraying the fierce determination of athletes and the harshness of competition. Its thrilling race developments and dramatic storytelling have excited not only fans of the game but also many manga and anime enthusiasts. In fact, the high acclaim was evident when Cinderella Gray shot to #1 on trending topics on social media right after the anime’s first episode aired.
Main Character Introductions
Now let’s meet the key characters who bring Cinderella Gray’s story to life. We’ll touch on each one’s profile and appeal, and see what role they play in the narrative.
Oguri Cap (CV: Tomoyo Takayanagi)
Oguri Cap is the protagonist of Cinderella Gray. Hailing from Gifu’s Kasamatsu Training Center Academy (a local school), she is a gray-haired horse girl often nicknamed the “Gray Monster.” Laid-back and unassuming, she’s also known for her colossal appetite – arguably the biggest glutton in the academy – which adds a unique comedic charm. She doesn’t talk much and gives a cool impression, but inside she’s pure-hearted and a tireless hard worker.
Watching this once-unknown girl from the countryside defeat powerful rival after rival and build her legend is nothing short of exhilarating. In the story, her string of stunning victories earns her the moniker “Gray Monster,” as she’s portrayed as a Cinderella girl making a bold impact from local tracks to the national stage. Oguri Cap’s hard-fought journey inspires many other horse girls and truly drives the entire narrative forward. With her earnest determination and habit of shattering expectations, she captures fans’ hearts and stands as the iconic heroine of the series. (She even brings plenty of laughs with her big-eating episodes, adding lighthearted moments to the story.)
Tamamo Cross (CV: Naomi Oozora)
Tamamo Cross is Oguri Cap’s greatest rival – and something of a good partner as well. She’s a petite horse girl who speaks in rapid-fire Kansai dialect, giving her a spunky, comedic flair. Don’t let her small size fool you, though: her strength is immeasurable, to the point that in-story she’s touted as the “strongest active racer.” Growing up in poverty, she’s a scrappy underdog with a fierce hunger to succeed. Off the track, Tamamo’s sharp wit and lively personality often put her and Oguri in a classic boke-tsukkomi (funny man & straight man) comedy duo dynamic.
On the track, however, this little firecracker unleashes astonishing stamina and fighting spirit. She’s famous for a finishing kick like a white lightning bolt, and time and again she stands in Oguri Cap’s way with that explosive charge. Tamamo Cross and Oguri deliver some of the series’ most legendary duels, making Tamamo an unforgettable rival. Fans love her for the unique mix of her humorous, dialect-infused chatter and the steely determination she shows when it’s time to race. That gap between her playful Kansai-girl charm and her stoic, relentless drive in competition is exactly what makes her so beloved.
Symboli Rudolf (CV: Azusa Tadokoro)
Symboli Rudolf is the student council president at Tracen Academy (the central academy in the story). Exuding regal dignity and authority, she’s a charismatic leader who guides the other girls – truly embodying her nickname “Emperor.” This legendary horse girl also appears in the original Pretty Derby story, and in real racing history Symboli Rudolf earned fame as an undefeated Triple Crown champion. In Cinderella Gray, her experience and influence similarly make a major impact on those around her.
Notably, early in the story when Oguri Cap faced a situation where she couldn’t enter a classic race (the Japanese Derby) due to a technicality, President Rudolf sprang into action. She pushed for a rule change to open the path for Oguri, showing her dedication to nurturing the next generation. While Symboli Rudolf carries herself with a solemn, imposing air, she also has a playful side, and – just as in other Uma Musume works – she shines as a dependable senior figure. Her presence adds depth to the story’s world, serving as a pillar watching over Oguri Cap and the new generation of horse girls.
Character Design & Race Scene Highlights
The reasons Cinderella Gray keeps fans hooked lie in its masterful character portrayals and its thrilling race sequences. Here, we’ll spotlight what makes the character designs so compelling and how the race scenes deliver such an impact.
Cute Designs Meet High-Stakes Racing – A Thrilling Combination! In Cinderella Gray, each character’s unique personality shines through in their design, and this is seamlessly fused with spectacularly directed competition scenes. The horse girls’ costumes, hairstyles, and accessories all strongly reflect the images of their real-life racehorse counterparts. For example, Tamamo Cross’s racing outfit incorporates traditional Japanese patterns to showcase her Kansai heritage. Inari One sports a stylish Edo-period flair in her attire and hair, matching her downtown Tokyo spirit. Yaeno Muteki’s outfit resembles a martial artist’s hakama, underlining her disciplined, warrior-like character. These thoughtful design details make each character visually captivating on their own. And while the girls look cute and charming in everyday scenes, the moment the race starts their expressions turn dead serious. Seeing these characters – normally so adorable – sweating, grit in their eyes, baring their competitive spirit as true athletes is one of the great thrills of the series.
The anime’s race sequences are a highlight – dynamic camerawork and visceral details bring each horse girl’s sprint to life. The race scenes in the anime adaptation are nothing short of breathtaking. Animated by CygamesPictures, the races are imbued with incredible speed and visceral detail – you can practically feel the thunder of hooves and the roar of the crowd. Each episode’s race sequence uses dynamic camera angles and well-timed slow-motion shots to convey both velocity and weight, creating a nail-biting intensity. (The promotional tagline even teases, “Don’t miss these overwhelming race scenes!”) The outcomes of each race are portrayed with the passion and energy of real-life horse racing, gripping the viewer’s heart every time. On top of that, soaring background music and live sports-style commentary add to the excitement, making you feel like you’re right there cheering trackside. This masterful execution of the race scenes not only keeps you on the edge of your seat, but also accentuates each character’s personal drama. It has delivered numerous unforgettable moments that fans continue to rave about.
Top 10 Most Popular Cinderella Gray Characters
From here, let’s reveal the Top 10 most popular characters of Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray. This ranking is based on fan popularity polls and feedback, and we’ll explain what earned each character their place. The top ranks are dominated by horse girls who excel in both ability and story presence, the middle ranks feature unique powerhouses, and even the lower ranks include rising stars whose potential has fans excited. Now, starting from Rank 1, let’s count down the fan favorites!
Ranks 1–3: Top-Tier Fan Favorites
First up are Ranks 1–3. These horse girls boast top-tier talent in the story and have garnered overwhelming support from fans. Here we see fierce rivals who delivered some of the most intense races, shoulder to shoulder with truly legendary figures.
Rank 1: Sakura Chiyono O
– A Classic-class elite who stands as a major obstacle before Oguri Cap and her peers at the central academy. In real racing history, Sakura Chiyono O was a famous Japanese Derby-winning mare, and in Cinderella Gray she inherits that pedigree as a serious, hardworking honor student-type horse girl. Her earnest daily training to catch up to her idolized senior Maruzensky is a big part of her charm, and that pure determination captured the hearts of many fans. Her refreshing pink-and-white themed design further highlights her straightforward, diligent personality. Though Sakura Chiyono O is one of Oguri Cap’s strongest rivals, her sincere, hard-working nature has won her a high popularity – especially among female fans, who admire her as a humble yet relentlessly dedicated character.
Rank 2: Mejiro Ardan
– A refined noble lady of the prestigious Mejiro family, known for her graceful poise and delicate personality. She carries the handicap of “glass legs” (fragile legs prone to injury), but refuses to let that break her spirit. Her proud, resilient approach to racing – showing both a fleeting fragility and an unyielding inner strength – leaves a strong impression. In the story’s Classic races, Mejiro Ardan emerges as a rival on equal footing with Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross, demonstrating comparable talent. Her elegant blue-themed racing attire reflects her high-class, gentle nature, earning her a lot of support from fans who love the ojou-sama (high-born lady) archetype. Coupled with her reserved, shy demeanor in personal interactions, she exudes a charm that makes you want to root for her growth, which fans have greatly appreciated.
Rank 3: Inari One
– A small-statured horse girl overflowing with Edokko spirit (old-town Tokyo grit), known for speaking in a hearty Edo dialect as a true downtown girl. Transferring from the local Oi racetrack to the central scene, she quickly became recognized as a powerhouse – one counted among the “Eternal Big Three” alongside Oguri Cap and Super Creek. Inari One is big-hearted, caring, and has an older-sister vibe, though she also has an endearing quirk: she’ll blow her top if anyone teases her about her petite size. In the story, she eventually becomes one of Oguri Cap’s greatest rivals. Thanks to her bottomless stamina and gritty, never-say-die racing style, she’s part of numerous epic races. Fans also love her traditional Japanese-inspired look (from her kimono-esque race outfit to her styled hair) which accentuates her unique Edo beauty. Her combination of heartfelt compassion and fiery competitiveness is one-of-a-kind, securing Inari One a top spot in fan polls as a truly unforgettable character.
Ranks 4–7: Skilled & Unique Competitors
Next are Ranks 4–7. These horse girls have first-class ability while also showcasing strong individual personalities. It’s a diverse group – from characters who support the protagonist and rivals, to important figures who lit up the early parts of the story.
Rank 4: Bamboo Memory
– A hot-blooded horse girl who serves as the head of the disciplinary committee. She’s a sporty, passion-driven type who’s always fired up, charging ahead with zeal. (She even has a brusque verbal tic, often ending sentences with “~ssu.”) Bamboo Memory admires her father’s legacy of dramatic rivalries and lives by a creed of fighting fair and square in every race. In the story, as a top contender from the central academy, she clashes with Oguri Cap in competition, and through their head-to-head battles they come to respect one another. She combines strength with kindness, and her hardworking nature earns deep trust from her classmates. With her vibrant green racing outfit and swishing ponytail, she gives off a fresh, spirited energy. As a quintessential “fiery sports spirit” character who brings vigor to the series, Bamboo Memory’s presence has made her a fan favorite.
Rank 5: Norn Ace
– Oguri Cap’s roommate from her early days in Kasamatsu (the local academy). At first, Norn Ace comes off as a flashy “gal” with a bit of a delinquent streak – she and her friends were jealous of the attention Oguri was getting and gave her a hard time. However, through racing and seeing Oguri’s true skill and character, Norn Ace undergoes a change of heart and becomes one of Oguri’s most understanding allies. She’s a tall (over 160 cm), eye-catching character with a flashy gyaru-style appearance, but she also has surprising depth: her family runs a dance studio, so she’s a talented dancer as well. As one of Oguri’s original teammates, she’s an indispensable part of the early “local” arc of the story. Norn Ace may love bling and have a proud attitude, but at her core she’s compassionate – once she switches to being Oguri’s #1 fan, she supports her friend with 110% enthusiasm. Fans found this wholehearted loyalty endearing, making Norn Ace quite popular in her own right.
Rank 6: Yaeno Muteki
– A martial-artist horse girl who holds etiquette and honor in high regard. Trained in her grandfather’s karate style “Kongou Yaegaki-ryu,” her winning outfit reflects this with a traditional hakama-style design. Yaeno Muteki is stubborn and old-fashioned in personality, yet she’s also fiercely competitive and hates to lose. She is one of the first powerhouse opponents Oguri Cap faces after arriving at the central academy, earning renown as an undefeated force in the Classic circuit. In the story, her polite, stoic demeanor gives off the aura of a disciplined warrior, but occasionally she reveals a glimpse of girlish innocence, and that contrast is delightful. Initially introduced as one of the top contenders, she later becomes a good friend who supports Oguri. Her honorable way of life and unwavering sportsmanship earned high praise from fans, solidifying her as a beloved character.
Rank 7: Oguri Cap
– Surprisingly, the protagonist Oguri Cap herself comes in at 7th place in the popularity poll. She’s the face of the story, but with so many other compelling characters in the mix, the votes placed her here. Of course, this result doesn’t undermine her importance – Oguri’s support among fans is still rock-solid, and her presence at the center of the series is undeniable. Her dramatic background of rising up from the countryside, and her never-give-up attitude in every race (no matter how strong the opponent), have inspired countless readers and viewers. With overwhelming strength that earned her the nickname “monster,” combined with a laid-back, slightly airheaded cuteness, Oguri Cap appeals to a broad audience and remains absolutely essential to the story. She also contributes plenty of comedic moments (her legendary eating sprees, for example) that provide a nice break in the tension. As the driving force of the entire narrative, her journey of growth and glory has moved fans in ways few characters can – making Oguri Cap a true icon of Cinderella Gray.
Ranks 8–10: Rising Stars to Watch
Finally, we have Ranks 8–10. These spots are filled by characters who, despite limited screen time or supporting roles, left an intense impression – as well as some next-generation stars on the rise. Even if their appearances were brief, their presence and potential have fans buzzing with high expectations.
Rank 8: Fujimasa March
– The first rival Oguri Cap faces in the Kasamatsu (local) arc. Fujimasa March is a scholarship student at Kasamatsu Academy, a stoic horse girl whose goal is to win the Tokai Derby. A lone wolf with few friends, she starts out as a cool, detached character, but through her fierce clash with Oguri, we witness a touching story of mutual respect and personal growth. Fujimasa is an original character (modeled on the real racehorse March Tosho) created to represent the pride of local racing. She was the first true “wall” that Oguri Cap had to overcome, and in a way she’s an early mentor figure, being the one who sends Oguri off toward the central big leagues. Though her role is mainly in the opening chapters, she left a powerful mark on the audience – many fans were moved by her relentless embodiment of effort and perseverance. Fujimasa March’s fierce determination and dignified journey resonated deeply, earning her a dedicated fanbase.
Rank 9: Tamamo Cross
– Making another appearance here (Tamamo actually placed 9th in the poll), this might come as a surprise given her prominence. In the story, Tamamo Cross is Oguri Cap’s ultimate rival and effectively a co-lead character from the second arc onward, yet in the popularity vote she only managed a mid-tier rank. Still, her impact on viewers is unmistakable. Through the numerous legendary duels she fought with Oguri, Tamamo left an indelible impression. Her backstory of clawing her way up from poverty (a true Cinderella story in its own right), combined with her one-of-a-kind comedic Kansai dialect charm, make her a uniquely compelling character. Scenes of Tamamo Cross facing down larger opponents with her small frame, or flashing a triumphant grin after a hard-earned win – these moments are etched into fans’ memories. With the anime’s second cour (and beyond) set to feature even more of her full-blown showdowns against Oguri, Tamamo Cross is a character whose star is only expected to rise further. She’s definitely one to watch!
Rank 10: Super Creek
– A horse girl known for her gentle demeanor and maternal warmth. Super Creek comes off as a soft-spoken, kind big-sister figure most of the time, but once she’s in a race she reveals phenomenal stamina, living up to her reputation as a natural long-distance runner. Together with Oguri Cap and Inari One, she forms the “Eternal Big Three,” and from the latter half of the Classic races onward she stands as a major rival. Super Creek shows incredible strength especially in long-distance events like the Kikuka-shō (Japanese St. Leger) and the Tenno-shō, becoming one of the biggest walls for Oguri to overcome. In the Cinderella Gray anime, her nurturing, motherly side is toned down a bit compared to how she is in the game, but her core kindness and dependability remain. She often serves as the unsung pillar supporting the others at crucial moments. The contrast between Super Creek’s gentle, soothing personality and her fierce fighting spirit in races – not to mention her powerful finishing kick that never seems to fade even in the final stretch – left a lasting impression on fans. She’s widely seen as the “reliable elder sister” you can always count on, which helped secure her spot in the Top 10.
Conclusion: Enjoy the Journey of Finding Your Favorite
Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray is at once the personal growth story of one horse girl, Oguri Cap, and an ensemble drama of many charismatic characters. The saga of the “Gray Monster” Oguri Cap and the rivals and friends surrounding her – combined with the thrill of the races – delivers a rollercoaster of emotion and excitement to the audience.
While the popular ranking highlights the top fan picks, even characters outside the Top 10 (minor or supporting characters) have their own charm and stories. Everyone who watches will likely have a different “oshi” (favorite girl) they connect with. Throughout the series, we see these girls run with all their might, experiencing victories and defeats, and growing from each challenge. If you happen to discover a favorite character along the way, be sure to follow your oshi Uma Musume’s journey closely. The intensity of the race scenes and the passionate drama between characters will only make you cheer harder for them!As of now, the anime has aired through its second cour, and the story is moving toward its climax. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the original game/manga or someone who got into it through the anime, this is the perfect time to fully enjoy the world of Cinderella Gray from your own perspective. Savor the experience of meeting your favorite character, and be sure to watch until the very end as these horse girls gallop toward their dreams!
