git-branch silently ignores --track on local branches

I used to be able to create a branch that tracked master (or another
local branch) by using "git branch --track new-branch" from that
checked-out branch.  However, this functionality was apparently
removed and now the --track option is silently ignored for local
branches.  I'd love to have this functionality restored.  Is there
a problem with local branches being supported when explicitly
requested?

..wayne..