When the inaugural TAB Highway Handicap was run at Randwick two years ago it was welcomed by the industry with open arms.

Local hopes are high that Hotel Drive has the speed and talent to repulse the four-pronged attack of the powerful Matt Dunn stable in Monday's $150,000 Northern Rivers Country Championship Qualifier at Grafton.

Chris Scholtz reviews racing around Australia on January 28.

Early mail and Blackbook Update for racing on January 28.