Eq Inv,
I wouldn't mind backing a leader from 16 if the inside 15 were slugs.
I do speed maps for the first 200 metres of a race with some degree of accuracy and it can make a huge difference to ones thinking of a particular race. Take Randwick, the 1400, 1800 and 2000 starts are treacherous and if you can figure who is going to be where it is an enormous help.
As for your swooper, I'd rather it drew in the middle as it could settle say 10th of 16th. If it drew the outside there are two possibilities - drop out to last or sit deep in the mid to rear of the field. I'd much rather back a swooper from 10th on the turn than last on the turn.
Cheers.