Romance at the racetrack

Two things typically spring to mind when you think of the racetrack: high society groups wearing fancy hats or a den of seasoned gamblers hoping to win big on their stallions.

Neither exactly invokes images of love and romance.

At Arlington Park, though, it's a different story.

The horse races held at this Arlington Heights spot attract about a 50/50 mix of men and women.

Dozens of couples like to get married or engaged there, and it's a perfect spot to check out with your sweetheart.

"The hard-core betters and society guests are only a small portion of the visitors here; the majority are casual fans and that's where your date groups fit in," says Dave Zenner, spokesman for Arlington Park.

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A day (or date) at the races can be casual and cheap, since general admission is only $7 per person and bets start as low as 10 cents.

Or couples can go all out and transform the date into a high-end affair.

"We're really an entertainment venue and not just like any other racetrack, which is why this will work for a date," Zenner says. "We're just a cut above."

However you want to explore Arlington, track officials have some tips to make sure your day goes smoothly and to help you impress your girl -- or guy -- with your equestrian savvy.

Stick to Fridays

Since Sundays are really big with families who take their children for the pony rides and petting zoos, Zenner says couples in their 20s and 30s are better suited to the Party in the Park that runs from 2:30 to about 7 p.m. every Friday this summer.

"It's a great excuse to sneak out of the office early," Zenner says.

The day includes live bands, 10 races and average wagers run only $2. But to make that money count, there's one thing to know #8230;

Study your program

When you buy your ticket, you'll get a program that gives you the rundown on the horses racing that day. Zenner says giving it a read -- and not ignoring it as promotional junk -- will help you make a smarter wager that might impress your special someone.

"Hopefully you'll pick a winner or two along the way," he says.

Arrive early

The early bird is more likely to pick the winner at Arlington. Couples who want to get a good look at the horses should arrive 20 minutes before each race and head to The Paddock Pub, where you can watch the horses get saddled up through the windows.

"Look for a horse that's walking on his toes, has his head held high, and is looking like a runner," Zenner says. "Does he look like he's into it, or does he look all sweaty and spent? That's how lots of people place their bets."

Want fancy? Plan ahead

The most upscale restaurant at Arlington is The Million Room, which overlooks the track. If you and your date want a high-end experience, make sure to book reservations and adhere to the dress code, which suggests pants, sports coats and collared shirts for men, and dresses or pant suits for women. (No jeans or gym shoes, of course.)

Also, The Million Room can have TVs placed on your table that show races at other tracks. So let them know ahead of time how serious your racing needs are.

Zenner says reservations are also wise for couples who want box seats. Call ahead at (847) 385-7427.

Feel the love

Every once in a while, you might catch other couples making big moves at Arlington -- like marriage. The racetrack has hosted scores of weddings and receptions, and often serves as the site for marriage proposals.

"A lot of times it's because people met at the track," Zenner says.

He says men have made elaborate plans, such as having the staff announce that their girlfriend has won something and -- when she reports for her winnings -- she finds her man on one knee.

Sometimes a proposal will pop up on the Jumbotron, too, so keep your eyes to the scoreboard.