What is it about the Greek financial model that appeals to Albany so?

Surely there’s got to be something about that all-but-insolvent nation that lawmakers covet — because they’re bending over backward to emulate it. So what if it’s near-bankrupt?

Take tomorrow’s Belmont Stakes. Sure, it’s a terrific event — even if no horse in the field stands to win the Triple Crown this year. And thoroughbred racing contributes nicely to New York’s economy — though less than it could if it really tried.

But, c’mon: Racing is enter tainment — a purely private-sector enterprise. So why is Albany writing a check to NYRA for $25 million — and, as in Athens, borrowing to cover the outlay?

Yes, the industry’s seen better days, and the recession’s only made things worse. NYRA itself is broke; its 1,400 jobs were to vanish soon after tomorrow.

But, hey: That’s capitalism.

Endeavors that can’t make it on their own are supposed to die. Government bailouts merely divert resources from industries that can actually grow.

Not that Albany, like Athens, cares about that. What matters to lawmakers is showering money on their pals in the biz — even if it bankrupts the state.

Want another example? This week, the Senate passed one of two pernicious bills meant to please lawmakers’ Big Labor friends by forcing utility companies and other businesses to pay above-market union wages.

Who’ll actually pay for those higher salaries? Look in the mirror. Costs, after all, get passed on to customers; indeed, the legislation is a backdoor tax designed to raise money for lawmakers’ best buds.

Call it the Greek Model.

Athens has been funneling above-market pay and perks to its powerful labor pals — particularly those in the public sector — for years.

And doing so, of course, with other peo ple’s money.

Now those “other people” are starting to tell Greece, “enough.” How soon before they say the same to New York?