Copy and paste sample IDs from excel into Illustrator. Each sample ID should be individual text object.
Align top sample ID (or ladder ID) with gel column. Align bottom sample ID with bottom gel column. Make sure all other samples are between these two.
Go to Window > Align > Show Options. And then press "Vertical Distribute Space"
Establish Pattern by holding option and dragging. With item still selected press Cmd+D.