Opelousas, Louisiana –Jimmy’s Boy ($3.20) lived up to the bettors expectations as he scored a hard fought victory in the $50,000 Need For Speed Stakes at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino on Saturday evening. A confirmed front-runner, Jimmy’s Boy was forced to alter his tactics after longshots Heza Hot Cat and Mr. Rocket Man raced out quickly from their inside posts and dueled for the early lead through a fast opening quarter-mile in 21 2/5. Confidently ridden by jockey Kerwin Clark, Jimmy’s Boy was able to track those two from the outside before engaging Heza Hot Cat at the top of the stretch, he then grabbed a narrow lead just inside the furlong pole and was able to outfinish a game Heza Hot Cat who as the only three-year-old in the field was toting the lightest impost of 111 lbs.

California invader Sabio rallied belatedly to finished 3rd, almost three lengths behind the winner and a nose in front of Chocolate Warrior. Cherokee Path was next in 5th, followed by Sparkling Jack and Mr. Rocket Man.

The running time for the five furlongs on a track labeled fast was 57 2/5, just 3/5th’s of a second off the stakes and track record set in last year’s event by Graded stakes winner Gold Storm.

Jimmy’s Boy earned $30,000 for the win, his fourteenth in 48 starts and first since Trainer Andrew Ney claimed the seven-year-old gelded son of The Name’s Jimmy for $25,000 this past February at the Fairgrounds on behalf of the Oakwood Stable. Bred in Illinois by Dan Dressell, he has now earned more than $400,000 in his career.

Racing continues on a Wednesday through Saturday schedule with a post time of 6:20 p.m. Central each evening.

For more information contact Evangeline Downs at 337 594-3000.