Delaware: Colonial Flag surges late to nip Tippie Tap in Rosenna

At about the same time last year that Colonial Flag won the Grade 3 Ontario Colleen Stakes, fellow 3-year-old filly Tippie Tap barely won a conditioned $30,000 claimer.

The huge class difference did not appear to matter in midstretch of Saturday’s $50,000 Rosenna Stakes at Delaware Park. With a furlong remaining in the 1 1/8-mile turf race, Tippie Tap held a 2 1/2-length lead while Colonial Flag was still five lengths behind in sixth.

But Colonial Flag ($7), spurred on by Joshua Navarro, came flying late to nail 9-1 outsider Tippie Tap by a neck. It was another 2 1/4 lengths back to Warm Glow, the 8-5 favorite. The final time over good ground was 1:53.66.

Colonial Flag, a daughter of Pleasant Tap trained by Michael Matz for Skara Glen Stable, Will Farish, and ENL Stables LLC, was dropping in class following four straight losses in Grade 2 and Grade 3 events since last October. She has now won 4 of 11 starts and $254,125.

Tippie Tap, who has 3 wins and 2 close seconds in her last 5 starts, came into Saturday’s race after clearing her second allowance condition last month.