Nestled in the sleepy countryside lies Kasamatsu Tracen Academy. Jo Kitahara, a trainer, can't help but bemoan the state of regional races compared to the star-studded national scene. But one day, as he passively watches the newest batch of racers practice, he spots an ashen-haired Umamusume. After seeing her stunning racing form, Jo Kitahara is convinced—at long last, he's found a star.

Oguri Cap and Belno Light are officially scouted by Jo Kitahara. Seeing as a racer needs to belong to a team in order to race, Oguri Cap accepts and begins training for her debut race. When the day arrives, she finds the student hailed as their generation's ace—Fujimasa March—waiting for her...

Up until now, Oguri Cap has simply run because she can, but after her heated race with Fujimasa March, her heart wells with a new, bitter emotion. As Oguri Cap and her team ensure she's properly prepared for her next race, another opponent shows her face: Norn Ace. Annoyed by Oguri Cap, Norn Ace's friends propose a certain "strategy" to her...

The day of the Junior Crown is here, and Oguri Cap and Fujimasa March make good on the promise they made at Mt. Kinka to enter. While Oguri Cap had no answer when Fujimasa March asked her for her goal back then, her aspirations will surely take shape during this race with her rival.

Oguri Cap and the rest of her team make their way to Chukyo Racecourse for the Chukyo Hai, but Kitahara can't shake Musaka's ominous words from his mind. Brows furrowed, he heads for the stands, only to discover Symboli Rudolf and Maruzensky have come to observe the race.

After Symboli Rudolf offers his trainee a place in the Twinkle Series, Kitahara approaches a reluctant Oguri Cap with a wager—if she wins the Gold Junior, she'll transfer to the nationals; otherwise, they'll aim for the Tokai Derby. As she heads into the race, Oguri Cap remains conflicted. She wants to give her all in her long-awaited battle against March, but...