NOTEBOOK From Churchill Downs

Strategy: First-time Kentucky Derby trainers Patrick Biancone and Tom Amoss didn't use much strategy when they picked their post positions. They just followed two of the race's most famous champions. Biancone chose post No. 2 for Brancusi because that's where Affirmed started his run to the Derby and eventual Triple Crown in 1978. "I was watching Derby films the other day," Biancone said Wednesday night. "I saw Affirmed was No. 2. I do like Affirmed, so I said if I could be No. 2, that would be fine." Amoss, who trains Lone Star Sky, opted for the No. 10 -- where 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat started the Derby. "My all-time favorite horse," Amoss said. "He wore the 1A, but he broke from 10." The No. 1 post has produced the most Derby champions (12), although none since Ferdinand in 1986. The No. 1 -- the closest stall to the rail -- was the last one remaining for the 17-horse field. It went to Supah Blitz. Five of the last eight Derby winners have started from either the No. 15 or the No. 16 posts, the first two stalls in the auxiliary gate. On Saturday, Outta Here will break from the No. 15 and Ten Most Wanted, the second choice in the morning line at 6-1, will leave from the No. 16 position. Last year, War Emblem became the 11th Derby champion to break from the No. 5 post. The Bobby Frankel-trained Peace Rules, the third choice in the morning line at 8-1, will start from there this year.
Men at work: Construction workers are racing against the clock to put the finishing touches on 23 luxury suites perched atop the grandstand at Churchill Downs. The suites are the first at the 129-year-old track, the most visible changes in an ambitious, $121 million renovation. Even the track's famous Twin Spires got reinforced structural supports, new interior walls and a fresh coat of paint. "This is a reinvigoration and a modernization, while maintaining the rich tradition and the architectural integrity that people recognize us for," track president Steve Sexton said. The first phase of construction started last summer and is scheduled to be finished in time for Churchill's fall meet. Churchill will soon have 81 suites priced from $68,000 to $97,000 a year, on three- to five-year leases. The $95 million second phase, to start after the spring-summer session, will include construction of the remainder of the luxury suites, plus a new and expanded Turf Club and a new Skye Terrace, which includes Millionaire's Row, where the rich and famous mingle on Derby Day. The track will add simulcast facilities plus more dining facilities, kitchens and a new press box.
-- Associated Press