Wood Slats

[linnlp12]

I am completing a Cherry solid wood bathroom vanity with a wood slat bottom.  The slats will be on top of the bottom rails about 3/4 inch space between each of 6 5.5 inch wide slats to make the bottom shelf.  Two questions. 1. Can i just glue the slats to the top of the rails without worry about slats cracking as there is 3/4 inch between slats?  I thought if us use pin nails at the ends on 3/4 inch rails I might split the wood. 2. I am using GF Prestain conditioner with Transtint to stain per a Jeff Jewitt technique onto the Cherry.  Will wood stick here or is it better to glue first before staining.  I will followup with shellac and GF High Performance. I dont have much experience with finishing.