by Dustin Ross, for Tioga Downs

Nichols, NY — It was “Parker Time” at Tioga Downs on Sunday afternoon (August 26) as Howard “Pacing” Parker posted five wins.

Parker made 11 trips to the winner’s circle out of his 28 drives on the weekend, which is just shy of a 40% winning percentage. He moved back to the front in the driver standings with 82 wins, while Mike Simons is in second with 78.

Fred Brown Photography

Quickful Bliss holds on at the rail in the Open Handicap Pace.

Parker drove Quickful Bliss to a front end victory in the $15,000 Open Handicap Pace for trainer Peter Stratton. The 4-year-old gelded son of Blissfull Hall surged through fractions of :26.4, :54.2 and 1:22.3, and hung on at the wire in 1:52.2.

It was the fourth win of the season for Quickful Bliss, who was claimed by Ronald H. Hendrickson on July 13 for $30,000 at The Meadowlands. With the winner’s share of the $15,000 purse, the 4-year-old pacer increased his seasonal bankroll to more than $59,000.

Driver Larry Stalbaum posted a driving double on the afternoon’s 10-race card.