Captain Gaughen continued his comeback at the age of 8, rallying in deep stretch to overtake Siralfredthegreat by a half length to win the featured $41,000 allowance optional claimer at Monmouth Park on Sunday. 

Winless since Sept. 13, 2014 before this year, the Jason Servis-trained gelding won for the second time in three starts in 2018 and for the seventh time in 41 lifetime starts. 

Sent off as the overwhelming favorite in the field of eight, Captain Gaughen paid $3.80 to win. He covered the 5½ furlongs over a turf course listed as firm in 1:03.09. 

“He’s a nice old horse,” said Servis. “He’s a pleasure in the barn. He’s feeling good again and he’s showing what he is capable of when he does feel good.” 

Captain Gaughen needed to kick it into high gear late to overtake Siralfredthegreat, who appeared on his way to a victory when he opened up daylight in mid-stretch. But jockey Antonio Gallardo was able to get Captain Gaughen rolling just in time. 

The exacta with Siralfredthegreat returned $16.60. It was another 1½ lengths back to Call Will in third. 

The victory was the second of three winners on the card for Servis, who now has eight wins from 15 starters at the meeting. He also won the Maiden Special Weight race for 2-year-olds with first-time starter Sports Betting in the first race and with Hitmewthurbestshot in the 11th. 

Live racing resumes at Monmouth Park on Saturday, June 16, with a first race post of 12:50 p.m.