Ulaan Baatar on his way to victory. (Getty Images)

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Ulaan Baatar rose to the occasion on just his second start over fences to run out an impressive winner of the Baileys Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup Novice Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Jessica Harrington's charge only made his jumping bow at Punchestown last weekend but looked very much the finished article in storming to a nine-length victory over 13-8 favourite Foreman in the Grade One contest.

Edward O'Grady's Ned Kelly was a further two lengths back in third.

Bookmakers were quick to react to the impressive victory, with Ladbrokes introducing the eight-year-old into the betting at 8-1 for the Cheltenham equivalent on March 15, while Cashmans cut him to 10-1 from 33s.

Paul Nicholls' Kauto Star, who beat Foreman by the same distance at Newbury last month, still heads the ante-post lists.

Timmy Murphy brought the 10-1 winner to the front heading over the final flight and he readily quickened away.

"He only had his first run over fences last Saturday so I am delighted with him," said Mrs Harrington. "I'll have to put the thinking cap on and have a really big think about what to do but he has done well on that ground.

"He travelled so well and really quickened up despite it being so heavy."

Murphy only picked up the winning ride after Harrington's regular jockey Barry Geraghty opted to partner the hat-trick seeking Scarthy Lad but a mistake three fences from home ruled him out of a podium finish.

Despite being propelled towards the top of the Arkle betting, Ulaan Baatar is not a definite starter in that race with Mrs Harrington adding: "Timmy jumped off and said he felt like a SunAlliance horse but I have no idea what to do as I have given it no thought."

Asked if he would take up his place in the Irish Independent-sponsored Arkle, Mrs Harrington replied: "I really don't know."

Murphy was delighted with the winner, though, and said: "He jumped well and that was a big step up.

"He went on the ground, which was the main factor today, and has done it nicely."

Like the winner, Foreman, who landed the AIG Champion Hurdle on the same card 12 months ago, made headway entering the home straight and threw down his challenge over the last.

His effort pleased trainer Thierry Doumen.

"He has improved on his first race and I was happy with him," said the French handler. "He jumped fine but that ground would not have suited him as he is a good ground horse."