[Woodworkers] Veneer application

[Thomas E Lovelace]

Am about to install a 6 inch wide strip (48 inch) on the bottom of the front panel of a mahogany “cedar” chest.
There are about 6 missing sections, each about 1/2 inch wide and from 1 to 4 inches long.
I suspect these areas need to be filled?
Thought of using Rock Hard powder, but that is indeed rock hard when you need to sand it flat.
Other suggestions welcome.
Looks like there will be enough veneer left over to experiment with different mahogany stains & finishes.
Am assuming that applying stain should wait until the material is installed and “set-in”?
Thanks !