Zarb's Luck vs. Go Rail Go - take 2

Zarb's Luck and Go Rail Go, who finished one-two last month in the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Sprint at Fair Grounds will have a rematch Friday night in the $50,000 Cypress at Delta Downs in Vinton, La.

But there is a twist - the Cypress, at 6 1/2 furlongs, is around two turns.

Zarb's Luck, who won the Champions Day Sprint by three-quarters of a length, goes for his third straight win. His streak began Nov. 15, when he won the $100,000 Gold Cup around two turns at Delta. A month later, he dueled throughout to win his second consecutive Champions Day Sprint.

"I thought he ran a big race," said Edward Johnston, who co-owns and trains Zarb's Luck. "They were coming off the pace that day, and he stood [on the lead] all the way. He came out of it great. I think he'll run good. He's training really well, and he likes that track over there."

Guy Smith has the mount on Zarb's Luck, who races for Scott Boudreaux.

Johnston said that after the Cypress, Zarb's Luck will be pointed for the $100,000 Louisiana Premier Night Sprint at Delta on Feb. 7.

Go Rail Go will be making a rare two-turn start Friday. Before the Champions Day Sprint, he finished second in a six-furlong race at Delaware Park. Trained by Michael Pino, Go Rail Go is coupled with Fine Stormy.

Also entered in the Cypress is Prince Slew, the runner-up in the $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic.