Episode 22 of Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray, titled “Gray Phantom,” premiered on December 14, 2025, showcasing the highly anticipated Arima Kinen race and bringing protagonist Oguri Cap face-to-face with an intense challenge from rival Tamamo Cross. The episode, part of the anime’s second cour, is available on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and the It’s Anime YouTube channel in various international regions.
Oguri Cap’s Ultimate Test in the Arima Kinen
The penultimate episode of Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray‘s current run plunges viewers into the heart of the Arima Kinen, a pivotal race that pushes Oguri Cap to her absolute limits. Her formidable rival, Tamamo Cross, executes an unexpected and aggressive strategy, accelerating from the backstretch earlier than anticipated and relentlessly closing in on Oguri Cap, who is leading the race.
Under this intense pressure, Oguri is forced into a grueling battle of endurance and will. As extreme exhaustion begins to set in, flashes of her “origin”—her childhood and early aspirations—come to mind, providing a moment of reflection amidst the high-stakes competition. The narrative deftly portrays the physical and mental toll on the horse girls, highlighting their unwavering determination.
A Victorious Finish and Emotional Depth
Despite the overwhelming challenge posed by Tamamo Cross’s strategic surge, Oguri Cap ultimately emerges victorious in the Arima Kinen. The episode is praised for its dramatic portrayal of the race, building tension through keen adaptation of the sports manga framework. Onlookers narrate Tamamo Cross’s exceptional control over “The Zone,” an athletic flow state, further emphasizing the caliber of the competition.
“Gray Phantom” also delves into Oguri Cap’s backstory, featuring flashbacks to her childhood as a small, gray-furred “kidlin” captivated by the fast running she witnessed on television. These moments, including her mother bandaging her weak legs, underscore the journey and support that shaped her into the formidable racer she is today. The episode concludes with Oguri Cap expressing gratitude to everyone who inspired her, including her trainers, rivals, and the cheering crowd.
Anime’s Structure and Accessibility
Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray is an anime adaptation of the ongoing manga of the same name, diverging from the original Uma Musume: Pretty Derby anime series which largely featured original stories. The anime adaptation, produced by CygamesPictures, premiered its first cour in April 2025 and its second cour from October to December 2025, totaling 23 episodes. This marks the first time an Umamusume anime has adopted a split-cour format.
Fans in regions such as the US, Canada, Mexico, UK, Ireland, and Australia can stream new episodes on Amazon Prime Video and the It’s Anime YouTube channel, with English, Portuguese, and Spanish subtitles available. The anime’s release was notably timed with the 40th anniversary of the real-life racehorse Oguri Cap’s birth. The manga, which centers on Oguri Cap’s journey from local races to legendary status, entered its final arc in July 2025 and is expected to conclude soon.
