And there’s a winner!

New York Lottery officials today are expected to recommend Malaysian gaming giant Genting to operate a long-awaited, 4,500 video-slot casino at the faded Aqueduct Race Track in Queens.

Genting was the only horse left in the race to run the multibillion-dollar slot casino after state gaming officials disqualified two other bidders last month.

The Lottery Division will forward its recommendation to Gov. Paterson. But the leaders of the state Assembly and Senate must sign off on the deal.

In exchange for the lucrative franchise, Genting will be required to provide the cash-

strapped state with a $300 million upfront license fee.