When the Sardo rack is in use, I have most times seen the players rack the 9-ball on the spot. However, I believe that at the UPA World Summit of Pool held at Grand Central Station last year, the 1-ball was racked on the spot, at least that is what it looked like to me.
At last year's Open, the 9-ball was supposed to be racked on the spot. However, I saw several competitors who must have not been present at the players meeting and proceeded to rack the balls in their matches with the 1 on the spot. Words of advice, ALWAYS attend every players meeting at all venues, no matter how familiar you are with the rules. I have witnessed many a player take a foul because of their unfamiliarity with the rules.
When I saw Shannon Daulton practicing at the Carolinas Open, the ONLY thing he did was rack and break, but never shot any balls in. After the crack of the rack, he proceeded to re-rack the balls and do it all over again. Shannon's break is one of the best in the industry.
Corey Deuel, though, is the master rack-and-break mechanic (IMO). Depending on the equipment, he's got a break in his arsenal that will fit the bill. When he came out with his trademark "soft" break, it was devastating to many a player; thus, a new rule quickly came to the fore that 3 balls must past the side pocket when breaking.
JAM