PlanetEye

It's that time of year and Chicago's Arlington Park horse race track opens this Friday. Arlington Park is THE place to go for horse racing. Think the Triple Crown right in Chicago! On Friday, the race track opens at 9:30 a.m. and the live race is at 2:30 p.m. That day also launches the park's summer Friday parties with Miller Lite. Then on Saturday the track will be attempting to throw the world's largest Kentucky Derby party. There will be horse races throughout the day and simulcasts of the Triple Crown races including the Kentucky Derby at 5 p.m., and, of course, lots of Mint Julep and a "hat parade." Also, the first 4,000 paid guests will receive an Official Kentucky Derby Glass. The first simulcast race will be 10 a.m. and the first live race will be at 1 p.m.

Arlington Park is easy on the pocket - only $7 to enter either day and $6 if you buy online - although betting can make it expensive. www.arlingtonpark.com/