Former Lloyd Williams charge Tanby has scored his first win for new trainer Mick Cerchi, launching a last-ditch effort to claim the Group Two Adelaide Cup.

Cerchi paid $140,000 for the 2012 Zipping Classic winner Tanby at a dispersal sale last May and won at his 11th start for the stable.

After being held up at the 600m point of the 3200m staying feature, Tanby ($16) got into to the clear and chased down topweight Taiyoo ($6) to win by a nose with the favourite Renew ($4.60) another half length away.

"He has been going terrific and we knew that he could run the journey out," the Flemington-based Cerchi told Sky Racing World.

"I don't think you feel confident when you are in the Adelaide Cup and you just have to do your best.

"We got the horse as good as we could get him and as sound as we could get him and we have got the chocolates."

It was a big win for Dean Holland who was having his first race ride on Tanby.

"Everything just worked out perfect. He travelled so soft throughout and I always had a lapful throughout," Holland said.

"It was just a good tough effort and a great training performance by Mick. He had him spot-on for today.

A half brother to 2013 Caulfield Cup winner Fawkner, Tanby's first prize of $259,600 more than offset his cost to Cerchi.