i think the paralelling the races hits way harder if you don't figure it out. Then by going back you realise that oguri was in her G2 outfit or that the other races in the starting races were also wearing their G2 outfits, showing that it was a different race you can be more amazed by the hints and parallel.
Clasher
2026-02-02 08:59:46 +0000 UTC
Also since Dicta Striker irl was NTR's father, if you rewatch episode 1 of Road to the Top you could see NTR's father character wearing the same yellow hoodie as Dicta here
KHQA
2026-02-02 06:43:21 +0000 UTC
Broke: CinGray is an Oguri Cap anime
Woke: CinGray is a prequel sequel to the TM Opera O saga
Another W for the overlord of the century end
KHQA
2026-02-02 06:18:29 +0000 UTC
I think the fake out with the Derby worked better in the manga. Might have been a bit harder to translate over to the anime format since everything is in color.
You are correct about the rule change. The "Oguri Rule", as it is sometimes called, was indeed a real thing. I think Opera O was the first to win a classic race after using it, which is why they have a connection in Road to the Top. Kitasan took advantage of it as well.