http://www.drf.com/news/too-early-gauge-lower-takeouts-effect

I only followed Canterbury last summer from July 1st or so forward. I was extremely interested as this year started but I ran into cards that were full of short fields and favorites and have not been involved lately although I occassionally look to see if field size is up. I almost posted this last evening but didn't have any stats to back it up. But now I do:

41% of favorites have won so far
7.37 field size for thoroughbreds