These are the top S-tier characters in Umamusume: Pretty Derby that every trainer should know about and consider investing in.

If you are looking to dominate the racetrack in Umamusume Pretty Derby, you will need the best S-tier characters. It’s possible to train any of the horse girls into a capable racer with enough effort. However, there are trainees who stand out due to their specializations and adaptability. These characters often make it to the highest tier in the meta. With that said, investing in the right trainees can make all the difference.
However, with a massive roster of horse girls to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming at times. This is because you have a lot to consider, including unique abilities, running styles, and stat growths. To help you out, here are our top picks for the best S-tier characters you need to know in Umamusume Pretty Derby.
Read More: Umamusume: Pretty Derby Character Tier Lists
Best S-Tier Characters in Umamusume Pretty Derby
1. Maruzenksy

If you want the best all-rounder, Maruzensky is your horse girl in Umamusume Pretty Derby. She excels as a front-runner with her speed and stamina growth. On the racetrack, she has an early-race acceleration skill that can be very useful in mid-distance tracks. She benefits from versatile training strategies that complement most race types, making her an ideal S-tier pick.
2. Oguri Cap

For a trainee who’s easy to build, Oguri Cap is a top pick. She stands out due to a 20% speed bonus and a 10% power bonus in her training. This also makes her one of the best horse girls to pick in the Head Start 3-Star Voucher. Needless to say, she has a pretty consistent performance across multiple surfaces and distances. You can never go wrong with training Oguri Cap.
3. Daiwa Scarlet

Known as a speed-and-guts powerhouse, Daiwa Scarlet dominates mid-distance turf races. She triggers powerful acceleration bursts and early pace control, ideal for clashing with other front-runners.
4. Vodka

When it comes to a front-running sprinter in medium-distance events, Vodka is arguably the top pick. Her optimal build focuses on speed and power, supported by stamina and wit, enabling strong cornering and finish line pushes.
Mejiro McQueen

If you are looking for long mileage in races, Mejiro McQueen is the one for you. She boasts elite stamina and guts, aided by intelligent pacing skills and excellent recovery. She’s the top pick for endurance races, and build guides recommend investing heavily in stamina and guts to maximize her dominance in marathon events.

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