In contrast to The Everest, the world's richest race on turf with a $14 million prize pool that attracts Australia's best sprinters, The Hotham is a race for battlers.

Friday's race at Ballarat carried $75,000 prize money for maiden horses and was taken out by Mylex, having her 31st start.

Mylex, a $3000 yearling, collected $41,250 for her victory over 1200m, and being the first mare home a service to Melbourne Cup winner Americain who is standing a Swettenham Stud.

Trainer Glenn Stewart said he had hatched a plan after running into jockey Noel Callow while holidaying in Cairns during winter.

"I had a runner a couple of years ago and it was no good and this horse had had a couple of runs but I made the mistake of trying to make her a stayer," Stewart said.

"I thought I'd freshen her up and set her for The Hotham."

Stewart said Mylex was for sale and he hopes to be able to sell the mare in foal to Americain.

Runner-up Costano Mille, beaten 2-3/4 lengths by Mylex, was the most experienced maiden in the race, with Friday's second placing her ninth from 91 career starts.