Stan could bypass the John Smith’s Grand National in favour of a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.

A future challenge for the Cheltenham Gold Cup and maybe even a tilt at this year’s Grand National await Imperial Commander, a game winner of the Ryanair Chase on Thursday.

Something Wells led home Ping Pong Sivola to give trainer Venetia Williams a 1-2 in the Freddie Williams Festival Plate at Cheltenham.

Irish-trained horses have been handed top weight in three of the handicaps at next months Cheltenham Festival and joint top weight in a fourth.