Belmont: Big Tease, Brandala win split Mt. Vernon

ELMONT, N.Y. - Big Tease rallied up the rail while Brandala came four wide to win split divisions of the Mt. Vernon Handicap for New York-bred fillies and mares at Belmont Park.

In the first division, worth $83,700, Big Tease ($9.90), ridden by Richard Migliore and trained by Gary Contessa, covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.67 over a yielding inner turf course for a 1 3/4-length victory Beebe Lake.

In the second division, worth $84,600, Brandala ($10.40), ridden by Jose Espinoza, rallied from ninth and ran down longshot Lady Libby to win by three-quarters of a length. On the Bus, the 4-5 favorite, finished third.

Brandala ($10.40), trained by Tom Walsh, covered the nine furlongs in 1:49.56 over a good inner turf course.