Although he drew the disadvantageous post position seventeen in the Derby, with rider Pat Day riding he quickly moved into contention early, then dropped back, but came with a strong stretch drive and finished a fast-closing second by a neck to the filly Winning Colors.
Triple Crown series, the Preakness Stakes, he finished seventh to winner Risen Star after being sent into an early speed duel with Winning Colors.
Retired to stud duty after the 1988 racing season, Forty Niner notably sired Distorted Humor, Coronado's Quest, Ecton Park, and Belmont Stakes winner Editor's Note.
Forty Niner is also the grandsire of Sharp Humor, 2003 Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide, and Japan's Admire Moon.
The most successful of his Japanese offspring included Meiner Select (JBC Sprint), Utopia (Mile Championship Nambu Hai) and Admire Hope (Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun).